Just as in the 2022 edition Kenya put Uganda to the sword in the tournament opener.
The Kenya Under-20 national rugby side, Chipu got their Barthes Trophy campaign off to the perfect start after thrashing the Ugandan junior team 44-20 in a clash staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Chipu, during last year's edition of the event also thumped Uganda 54-20 in the opening match but lost out to Namibia in the semi-final to finish third.
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Last year's event saw Kenya settle for third place behind Namibia who were second as Zimbabwe carried the day.
The Kenyan youngsters started their campaign on a high as they led with consecutive try scores which were unsuccessfully converted. The Ugandan under-20 team, popularly known as Baby Rugby Cranes, then charged up through a try score but unfortunately could not convert.
The Kenyan youngsters then put up a good fight to secure another try but the conversion was also unsuccessful bringing the scores to 15-5. In no time, Chipu then scored again through a try by captain Laban Kipsang. The conversion was successful and the scores were now reading 22-5.
As the Baby Rugby Cranes pulled themselves together, Chipu had other plans as they scored another try through Daystar Falcons ace Wycliffe Ogutu. The conversion was successful leading Kenya 24 points clear of Uganda.
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The Ugandans redeemed themselves through a successful try. They then awarded themselves three points courtesy of the drop goal. This brought the scores to 29-13.
The second half began with Kenya shining on home soil courtesy of Eddy Wambugu's try but the conversion was unsuccessful. This brought the scores to 34-13.
The Baby Rugby Cranes bounced back with a successful try score which earned them five points as they successfully converted.
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The tournament is scheduled for April 22 to 30 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Mike Oduor then touched down for Chipu taking the score to 39-20. Victor Odhiambo then extended Kenya's lead through a try score but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
The semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26.