AFTER a disappointing loss two days ago, Uganda turned the tables on Wales and took home the victory 64-40 to level the series, forcing a decider tomorrow.
Wales started out the game strongly, scoring 14 goals in the first term. The combination of Georgia Rowe and Phillipa Yarranton is growing and is very dangerous for other nations in the future.
Though, the amount of determination and grit coming from Uganda was obvious from the get go.
The She Cranes were committed to the ball and didn’t let the Feathers get back in the contest once a handy lead was established.
Uganda’s footwork in defence was strong enough for misfeeds to come the Wales attackers’ way and force the ball over the baseline. The attack was also fluid though for Uganda, putting the attacking third to good use and making the ball do the work.
The She Cranes took a strong lead at halftime, 30-24.
The third term was truly the championship quarter for Uganda, sinking 19 goals compared to Wales’ six.
Mary Cholhok was as strong as ever for the She Cranes and played with absolute freedom. She was reliable under the post with high accuracy, constantly keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
The combination of Magaret Bagaala and player of the match Lilian Achola worked tirelessly in Uganda’s full court transition. They were sighting Cholock and Irene Eyaru well which made it hard for the Welsh defenders to get a hand on the ball.
Speed was key for the Ugandan midcourt, able to turn the ball over in the defensive third, then land right on circle edge. It was a game of chase up for Wales, sticking to a one on one game which was unsuccessful as they were not able to keep up to the games pace in periods of time.
In the blink of an eye, Uganda extended its lead to double digits and took the advantage heading into the last break 49-30.
Wales was right on the money when playing with speed – quick on the centre pass, putting depth on second phase, and getting the ball high into Rowe to shoot under the post. More often that not, it resulted in scores.
All credit is due to the She Cranes defenders, though, because they confused a lot of space and were able to convert on their gains down the other end.
It was a better fourth term for the Feathers, but the damage was already done by the She Cranes in the third and took the win by significant 24 goals.
WALES (40)
UGANDA (64)
Player of the Match – Lilian Achola (Uganda)
STARTING SEVENS
Wales:
GS: Georgia Rowe
GA: Phillipa Yarranton
WA: Bethan Dyke
C: Shona O’Dwyer
WD: Nia Jones
GD: Ella Powell-Davies
GK: Leah Middleton
Uganda:
GS: Mary Cholhok
GA: Irene Eyaru
WA: Lilian Achola
C: Magaret Bagaala
WD: Sandra Nambirige
GD: Christine Nakitto
GK: Falidah Kadondi
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