Warriors aim to roar back into form against Buffaloes

9 Barells Warriors’ Friday Ochama and Richard Kinyai (purple) on defence against Heathens (green) last week. Warriors visit Buffaloes today. Photo by Eddie Chicco

KAMPALA- After four consecutive wins that kept them second on the Nile Special Stout Premiership log for weeks, the 9 Barells Warriors were beaten 43-9 by standings’ leaders Hima Heathens last week, losing their second place to Betway Kobs, who dispatched Stanbic Pirates 23-11 on the same day.

Before Heathens stripped away Warriors’ unbeaten run, the latter had picked wins against Impis, Rhinos, Rams and Hippos for 16 points. They have a good opportunity to return to winning ways when they visit Toyota Buffaloes this evening at Kyadondo. The hosts did not have the best of starts to the campaign but have picked themselves up with two consecutive wins against Hippos and Rhinos.

Warriors captain Akera Komakech has highlighted the significance of bouncing back as it comes with confidence for the side. “Last week’s results did not favour us. We lost our good run against a good side but we have put that behind our backs and now focusing on winning our next game to get us back on track,” said Komakech.

Warriors now sit third on the log with 16 points, three behind Kobs in second and seven behind leaders Heathens. Pirates who have now lost twice and feasibly out of the title race host Rams who picked their first win of the season last week against Rhinos. “We have to clean up when it comes to school boy mistakes” said Pirates captain Nathan Bwambale last week and with Rams visiting Kings Park, the Sea Robbers are favourites to pick maximum points.

Kobs have steadily moved up the log and have not looked back since their 6-0 on the opening night at Heathens. Last week’s big win against Pirates can only spur them on to a good run to keep Heathens in sight. They visit Impis today, who on the other hand welcome back star wing Jonathan Luhoni for his first outing.

NILE SPECIAL STOUT RUGBY
PREMIERSHIP
Buffaloes vs. Warriors 4.30pm, KYRFC
Pirates vs. Rams 4.30pm, Kings Park
Impis vs. Kobs 4.30pm, Makerere
Rhinos vs. Mongers 4.30pm, Legends
Heathens vs. Hippos 2.30pm, Kyadondo