In-form Pirates assume command of Guinness 7s
Impeccable. Pirates’ Isaac Rujumba (with ball) acrobatically makes a try against Kobs in the final on Saturday. PHOTO by Deus Bugembe
KAMPALA.
Buzz Pirates made a dream start to their 2018 Guinness National Sevens Series campaign on Saturday at Kyadondo Rugby Club, overcoming Betway Kobs 21-7 in a toughly contested final.
Fresh from a championship winning show at the Martyrs 7s in Walukuba last week, the Sea Robbers sailed through the pool stages with wins against Stallions (38-0), Buffaloes (29-0) and Hippos (22-0) without conceding a point.
In the last eight, Pirates beat Hippos 22-0 before running over hosts Hima Cement Heathens 35-10 in the semis.
The final pitted the best two sides on the day against each other as Pirates had Kobs in their way to taking the opening round of the series.
Timothy Kisiga, Conrad Wanyama, Ivan Magomu and captain Isaac Massa all led from the front to frustrate an under-prepared Kobs side.
“Winning the first circuit is usually a stepping stone to consolidating and winning the national 7s,... it is a morale booster to the lads and hopefully the team can go ahead and win more of these even with the absence of some players in future,” Magomu told Daily Monitor.
Kobs coach Edmond Tumusiime thought his side did well despite ending up runners up, for a side that had not experienced the best of preparations. “They were the better team but we did well because we have hardly prepared but we shall improve as the series wear on.”
Pirates now lead the standings as Kabale is the next stop with the Kigezi 7s, an invitational tourney, being inaugurated.
