Ochwo hurt, ruled of Bamburi series

UAP Papa whipped Kiboko 53-0, Bollore Nyumbu ran over KCB 70-15Victoria, Top Fry Ndovu walloped Mamba 67-3 while Rwenzori beat Kengewa 25-14 as the Bamburi Super Series rolled off.

Kampala

The only positive from the opening day of the Bamburi Rugby Super Series for the two Uganda franchise sides was Rwenzori’s victory over Kenya’s Kengewa.

Last year’s finalists won 25-14 after tries from backs Richard Lumu, Joseph Aredo and Michael Wokorach left them second in pool B despite an average display.

However, a wretched game saw scrumhalf Faisal Gamma go off injured at halftime in a neck brace after a nasty-looking injury with Davis Kyewalabye replacing him.

Rwenzori’s poor day was crowned by Mathias Ochwo’s ankle injury. Daily Monitor later learnt that the Rugby Cranes skipper tore his Achilles tendon. “The doctor will confirm the extent of the injury tomorrow (today),” Rwenzori coach Fred Mudoola said yesterday. “He could be out for at least six months.”

Besides being ruled out of the annual Bamburi tournament, Ochwo will miss the two Elgon Cup games against Kenya, the Africa Cup and the rest of MTN Heathens’ season. His week was not meant to end this way after he was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2012 on Tuesday night, his second award as the best player in the country.

The open side flanker had made an appeal to teammates at the awards gala. “The Bamburi Series spills over into the Elgon Cup and Africa Cup so every player must keep his eyes on the ball,” Ochwo said. He can only cheer now. Joel Anguyo missed two penalty before Aredo nailed one for the lead. Then, Ochwo took a hit.

On 19 minutes, Kengewa’s Charles Omondi scored a try which Marvin Sumba converted.

ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com