Chance for clubs to fire first shot

Kampala

Pool A: Impis, S’kamp, Rhino, Mbale Elephants
Pool B: Heathens, Nile, KK Stallion, Mongers II
Pool C: Kobs, Mongers, Gulu Elephants, Rugby Cranes
Pool D: Pirates, Buffaloes, Lira Bulls, Rams

The storm over the July 11 bombings at Kyadondo rugby grounds is slowly settling and the game returns today with the start of the Hima 7s circuit at Entebbe Secondary School.

There is no running away that despite being depleted by Rugby Cranes, MTN Heathens start as outright favourites to win a fourth straight 7s crown and eighth in total.

Heathens are drawn in pool B along with Nile, KK Stallion and Entebbe Mongers. Brian Tabaruka, the Heathens assistant coach, is relishing the task to create more history. “We are in it to win. Our biggest motivation is to beat the players who aren’t with us,” Tabaruka said bullishly.

Rugby Cranes stars Michael Wokorach, Robert Seguya, Mathias Ochwo, Scot Olouch, Jude Keremundu and Benon Kiiza are missing from Heathens roster which leaves the competition wide open unlike last year when they swept all four legs. Last year’s runners-up Makerere Impis, three-time winners utl Kobs, perennial nearly men G4S Pirates and hosts Entebbe Mongers are willing to pounce.

Mongers, Kobs, Rugby Cranes and Gulu Elephants constitute pool C which can easily pass as the ‘group of death’ for the one-day event. Impis will start as favourites to progress from pool A which has Summerkamp, Rhino and Mbale Elephants whereas Pirates could make an oat meal in pool D by smacking Toyota Buffaloes, Lira Bulls and Rams.
Thereafter, the circuit moves to Makerere next weekend. Kampala RFC and Namboole stadium will host the other legs.