Pirates, Heathens win
Heathens’ Phillip Wokorach (R) pushes for a try against Impis. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Rugby. Defending champions Hima Cement Heathens chalked up a 24-0 win over Impis while Pirates overacame Rhino 22-13 as the Nile Special Rugby Premier League rolled off on Saturday.
KAMPALA. Black Pirates must feel like the biggest winners on the opening day of the Nile Special Rugby Premier League which didn’t have huge scorelines as has been the case before.
Pirates impressively beat Rhino 22-13 at Legends on Saturday to step ahead in the ‘smaller’ table of the trio that could give the traditional top two a run for their money.
The other side to complete the three is Buffaloes, who overcame Mutoni Warriors 18-3 at Kyadondo before defending champions Hima Cement Heathens chalked up a 24-0 win over Impis.
The latter was Heathens first game since Robert Seguya replaced the ‘retired’ Brian Tabaruka in the dugout.
Tabaruka’s final hurrah was a league and cup double after 19 years at the club I various roles.
Anthony Kinene, the Pirates coach, left Legends feeling fulfilled.
Having narrowly missed out on last season’s Uganda Cup, Pirates started with verve.
They quickly snuffed out Rhino with first half tries from wingers Emmanuel Eladu and Joshua snuffed out the ‘hosts’ on a frustrating first day for coach Herbert Wafula. Considering that Betway Kobs obliterated Gulu Elephants 152-0 last season, Saturday’s 43-10 victory away for the 11-time champions represents either improvement or a struggle by the visitors.
There not being cricket scores, Uganda Rugby Union (URU) could be pleased with the preliminary assessment of bludgeoning the league from eight to 10 teams. The margins were thin.
WEEKEND RESULTS
Buffaloes 18-3 Warriors
Heathens 24-0 Impis
Rhino 13- 22 Pirates
Mongers 14-12 R ams
Gulu 10-43 Kobs
