Heathens down rivals Kobs in battle of pride at Kyadondo
Outgoing Kobs captain Odongo poses with the trophy after they were crowned champions on Saturday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
KAMPALA. To many, except the Hima Cement Heathens, the game against Betway Kobs was a dead rubber. The latter had already won the league and came to Kyadondo to maintain their unbeaten league run.
However, Heathens had earlier vowed to play for pride at their own backyard. True to their word, the hosts cruised to a dominant 47-22 victory.
The first half belonged to the ‘small men’. Philip Wokorach put Heathens off the blocks with a penalty but Joseph Aredo answered in better style. Aredo, playing as a flyhalf in the absence of James Ijongat, caught Heathens players napping with a clever chip and sprinted to touch down. His successful convertion gave Kobs a 7-3 lead.
The pair was not finished yet. Wokorach added two penalties but Kobs again went into the lead thanks to Aredo’s penalty. Not to be outdone, Wokorach scored his own try after being set through by captain Michael Wokorach.
Brian Asaba’s try set the game into a frenzy, but it was Heathens who took a 16-15 lead into halftime.
Heathens started the second half hungrier. Two quick tries from Cox Muhigwa overshadowed Aredo’s second try, and the two Wokorachs put the icing on the cake for a sweet 47-22. “We kind of switched off in the second half, which cost us. But we are champions and that’s what matters most,” said Kobs assistant captain, Oscar Kalyango. Whereas Kobs were crowned at Heathens’ home, the latter’s victory must have lessened the pain of failing to defend their trophy.
The match was also the last for Brian Odongo as Kobs captain. He is relinquishing the role.
