Kobs labour past Summerkamp

Rugby. Summerkamp have lost their two opening games on debut in the Nile Special Super 8 Rugby League but looked much better on Friday.

By the time Summerkamp got their first points of the Nile Special Super 8 Rugby League season, their chance of making the Friday game a contest had evaporated, at least.

Captain David Otwi’s penalty came on 61 minutes. The newcomers were already in a 0-27 hole against DMark Kobs before the fly-half’s kick sailed through the posts.

Honestly, it had been long coming. Outside centre Collin Opanitho had missed two penalties in the first half. Kobs eventually beat them 46-6 at Legends Rugby Club - former Kampala RFC ground.

Summerkamp, however, can take heart from the display following the opening day 70-0 loss to champions MTN Heathens last Friday. The displeasure was written all over Kobs coach Fred Mudoola’s face.

The start they got with tries from back row Brian Asaba and scrumhalf Kevin Markmot was one of a rout in the offing. “We are contented with what we scored not how we played,” Kobs stand-in captain Andrew Barasa noted. Even if front row Timothy Kabonero had already knocked on twice and Markmot failed to nail those conversions, there wasn’t anything to suggest Kobs wouldn’t rack up a huge score on a soggy pitch.
After all, the former champions had two tries inside 22 minutes.
Man of the match Justin Kimono then brilliantly set-up James Ijongat and also got himself into the tries-column for a 20-0 halftime lead and the bonus point.

In the Heathens game, Summerkamp were 0-22 down after 40 minutes. They played even better in the second half than the final score line might suggest. Commitment defines them. For Kobs, that period was a little more than average. Tries from substitutes David Barasa, Oscar Echulu, Alex Leku and a penalty try illuminated the below-par showing.

There are no prizes for winning now and Kimono knows it. “Our target is the (league) trophy,” Kimono reminded the crowd on receiving his plaque. His performance was one of a champion-to-be and his teammates need to join him for his vow to reach fruition.

ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com