Heathens clinch top stop with Kobs scalp

KAMPALA. On hearing the final whistle, Betway Kobs players had many questions among themselves. How could what had looked like a win been snatched away from them?

Twelve up and their opponents Hima Heathens looked out of their depth, Kobs looked on course for a fourth win on the bounce but whatever the Heathens’ management did at halftime was a masterclass. The green army stepped up with 15 points after the break with Kobs stuck on 12 like it was a crime to keep their score ticking. They stagnated like a content python after a heavy meal.

“We need to start playing games of two halves,” said Kobs captain Brian Asaba after the game. The frustration could be felt in his voice. His side had worked so hard to get into the driving seat only to crash with the destination in sight. Kobs’ capitulation against Heathens at Kyadondo is not new but there was something strange about this specific one.

A better side on paper with a 12-point lead only needed them to finish off the job but the choking syndrome got the better of them. Not taking any credit way from Heathens, they kept composed and chose the right time to pounce.
“At halftime with the tide against us, we knew we had to work harder. We never put our heads down because everyone of us believed the game was still there for the taking,” Heathens captain Michael Wokorach told Sunday Monitor. The first score after the break was always going to have a major effect on the game. Kobs get it and they are closer to the promised Land, Heathens get it and they have a platform on which to build a comeback. The latter is what surfaced with Alex Mubiru diving in at the corner to make it 12-5. From then Kobs looked short of confidence, poor decisions, missed tackles, handling errors on top of giving away penalties was the story. It even got worse when Kevin Keremundu added a penalty to make it 12-8. Wokorach’s converted try spiced things up to give Heathens the deserved win. “ They looked tired and weary in the second half and we took the game to them, “ said Keremundu.

It was another case of who wanted the game more. Heathens did want it more if what transpired on pitch is the parameter to be used. With a clean slate and two big boys in Pirates and Kobs already schooled, Heathens are log leaders with 18 points. Kobs are second on 16.