Big four sail through league openers

Rhinos' Andrew Oduka scored a Hattick against Warriors. Rhinos won 46-26. PHOTO BY DEUS BUGEMBE

What you need to know:

The league resumes next weekend with a big one as Heathens take on Pirates in repeat of the last two Uganda Cup finals.

Rams 0-43 Kobs
Hippos 8- 31 Heathens
Mongers 17-06 Buffaloes
Impis 3-43 Pirates
Rhinos 46-26 Warriors

KAMPALA. The opening round of the 2017/2018 Nile Special Rugby Premiership had all last years' top four sides breeze through with big scores.
Shell Rimula Rhinos’ Andrew Oduka got the campaign's first hat-trick against Warriors on Friday, helping his side to a 46-26 win. Warriors switched on a bit too late with tries from Ivan Ntungire and Henry Musisi made it a 20 point gap.
Rhinos coach Brian Makalama was happy with the result and hopes for better fortunes as the season wears on.
“Am happy we have started well by getting all points as we hope to build on today's performance in coming games,” he told Daily Monitor.
Pirates started from where they had stopped in the Uganda Cup with a convincing 43-3 win over Impis at Makerere. Tries from Raymond Emanzi, Baron Kasozi, Richard Odekerere contributed to the win as they wait for Heathens' visit next Saturday.
Defending champions, Hima Heathens came up against newcomers Jinja Hippos at Dam Waters. The hosts put in a fight but the holders came out on top as Mohammed Athiyo chases his second league title as coach. A try apiece from Aaron Wanyoto, Santos Senteza, Ben Okello, Allan Otim and Athiyo himself produced a 31-8 score.

Kobs' Derrick Atukahisibwe gets the better of Rams' Robert Anzugu at Makerere. Kobs won 43-0. PHOTO BY DEUS BUGEMBE


Betway Kobs were away to Mulago Rams in Makerere. With the national sevens players out, Kobs were without James Ijongat and started with Edgar Seruwagi at fly half where he looked composed. Three tries from Adrian Kasiito and a brace from Alhadji Manano were part of Kobs' seven tries.
In Entebbe, hosts Plascon Mongers got off to a winning start to their campaign after beating Toyota Buffaloes 17-06.
The league resumes next weekend with a big one as Heathens take on Pirates in repeat of the last two Uganda Cup finals.
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