Heathens save season with Uganda cup title
Heathens’ Arthur Mukama goes after a lose ball during the Uganda Cup final against Kobs. Heathens lifted the ninth Uganda Cup final, beating Kobs 10-8. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Rugby. Kobs were denied the chance of completing the double for the first time since 2008 having won the league earlier in the season
KAMPALA.
Heathens needed a 78th minute try from flyhalf Jasper Ocen to level matters 8-8 with Kobs before fullback Phillip Wokorach converted to put them 10-8 ahead and win the Uganda cup. The victory ensured that they would not finish the season empty handed.
Kobs were quick off the blocks with a James Ijyongat penalty after Heathens were found guilty of failing to roll away after tackling. Phillip Wokrach leveled matters with a penalty that saw both sides go into halftime at even terms.
Early into the second forty, flank Brian Asaba restored the hosts lead with well worked from a maul. After that try, it’s hard to recall seeing the ball in Heathen`s half as most of the game was played in Kob`s territory.
The game turned out to be a typical cup final as it was too cagy with few chances of running the ball. It’s fair to say that the game was won on the bench, both sides were coached by members of the 2007 African champions class but Brian Tabaruka was far more experienced at that level than Allan Musoke who looked lost at times on bench.
Kobs had put up a resolute defence until Coach Allan Musoke made some questionable replacements. Heathens relentless pressure paid off when Kobs failed to drift thus opening up large spaces which allowed wing Lawrence Sebuliba to offload to Ocen who touched down with a couple of minutes left. “We played our hearts out especially in the second half.
We piled too much pressure on them until they could not contain it thus forcing an opening,” said Heathens Captain Michael Wokorach.
On the other hand, Kobs captain Brian Odong believes Heathens deserved it because they played with more hunger and character especially after the break.
“They played like they needed it more and all their players were pumped up from the first minute, something that lacked in my side at some stages of the game,” said the prop.
Kobs were also denied the chance of completing the double for the first time since 2008 having won the league earlier in the season.
UGANDA cup final results
Kobs 08- 10 Protector Heathens (main cup final)
Stallions 34- 10 Jinja Hippos (shield cup final)
