"I think the URU has done a good job; next year we shall have even a bigger tournament. The fixture is here to stay," he said.
The main cup final provided the thrills. Charmaine Keyser, who was named player of the tournament, evaded Uganda’s flying wing Rachael Kakaire to touch down after only two minutes.
This was wake up call as Uganda rallied back and the captain Christine Kizito completed a good move by Charloote Mudoola and Kakaire. With Kakaire converting, Uganda led 7-5 at the break.
On resumption, shouts of Uganda rent the air but the Lady Boks showed great character with Miranda Gomba touching down to restore their lead and a penalty try awarded by Kenyan referee Mwangi Karimi ensured that the inaugural trophy went to South Africa.
The semi-final between Kenya and Uganda had earlier provided fantastic entertainment. Uganda, coached by national wing Mark Olweny, settled first and scored twice through Kakaire and Hadija Namuyanja for a 12-0 lead but Kenya, under the tutelage of former national sevens captain Benjamin Ayimba, responded through Celestine Masinde and Joan Maungu to tie it up at 12-12. Kakaire again scored but Remour levelled to take the game into extra time. Finally Sauda Adiru broke the deadlock for a sudden-death win.
Coach of the Lady Boks Danwell Denver said this was a welcome development in women’s rugby.
“We need such tournaments to learn what is happening in the other countries and it is refreshing to see the commitment by various Unions to women’s rugby," he said.
Results
Cup Final
Uganda 7-15 South Africa
Cup Semi finals
South Africa 48-0 Rwanda, Uganda 22-17 Kenya
Plate Final
Zambia 33-0 Uganda Select
Plate Semi finals
Zambia 55 Burundi 0; Zimbabwe 0 Uganda Select 22; .
Pools
Pool A: South Africa 26 Zambia 0, Kenya 33 Uganda Select 0, South Africa 22 Uganda Select 5, Kenya 22 Zambia 0, Zambia 21 Uganda Select 0, South Africa 14 Kenya 0.
Pool B: Zimbabwe 15 Burundi 0, Uganda 24 Rwanda 5. Uganda 56 Burundi 0. Zimbabwe 0 Rwanda 25, Rwanda 41 Burundi 0, Uganda 54 Zimbabwe 0.