Ian Snook has made a winning start to his career as an international rugby coach, with Kenya Simbas recording a convincing 34-16 victory over Uganda Rugby Cranes in the first leg of the regional Elgon Cup played at Legends Rugby Club, Kampala.
"Getting a win away in Uganda is a good start," the New Zealander told KweséESPN.
"I am happy that some of the young players who are new to the national team also played well."
Winger Jacob Ojee scored the first try for Kenya, after only three minutes, and Darwin Mukidza landed the conversion for the Simbas to lead 7-0. Ivan Mungomu reduced the margin almost immediately with a well-taken penalty, but the Simbas produced quick passing to pressure the Rugby Cranes and Leo Seje and Oliver Mangeni each touched down for the visitors.
Mukidza landed both conversions and a penalty, while Uganda landed two more penalties as the Simbas, skippered by Davies Chenge, took a 24-9 lead to the break.
Uganda made changes after the interval, with the introduction of Philip Wokorach bringing more purposeful play in attack, but still Kenya were the dominant team and Elkeans Musonye and Biko Adema added tries.
Simon Olet scored a converted try for Uganda, who failed to take full advantage when Kenya had Ojee and Peter Karia sin-binned for bad fouls.
Uganda coach John Duncan told KweséESPN: "It was not a very good display, but we hope to get better and better ... against South Africa's Cheetahs in two build-up games before camping in South Africa."
The teams play the return leg in Nairobi on Saturday July 7, with the match tripling up as a Rugby Africa Gold Cup fixture and a 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifier.
Uganda
15. Adrian Kasito, 14. James Odong, 13. Eric Mula, 12. Pius Ogena, 11. Justin Kimono, 10. Ivan Magomu, 9. Ivan Kirabo, 8. Marvin Odong, 7. Eliphaz Emong, 6. Briana Asaba, 5. Simon Olet 4. Robert Aziku, 3. Edgar Pajob, 2. Paul Ssekate, 1. Asuman Mugerwa. Replacements: 16.Nathan Bwambale, 17. Adnan Mutebi, 18. Saul Kivumbi, 19. Bryon Oketayot, 20. Musa Muwonge, 21. Ian Munyani, 22. Philip Wokorach, 23. Aaron Afoirwoth.
Kenya
15. Darwin Mukidza, 14. Tony Onyango, 13. Peter Kilonzo, 12. Leo Seje, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Isaac Adimo, 9. Samson Onsomu, 8. Davies Chenge, 7. Elkeans Musonye, 6. George Nyambua, 5. Oliver Mang'eni, 4. Andrew Chogo, 3. Joseph Odero, 2. Peter Karia, 1. Patrick Ouko., Replacements: 16. Philip Ikambili, 17. Oscar Simiyu, 18. Curtis Lilako, 19. Malcolm Onsando, 20. Martin Owila, 21. Xavier Bett, 22. Biko Adema, 23. Vincent Mose.