Uganda Cup openers in mud attack
Stuck in the mud. Warriors’ backrow Erasmus Aredo (R) got a fair share of the mud flavouring at Kyadondo against Stallions. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
Super 10 heavyweights Hima Heathens, Stanbic Pirates and reigning champions Betway Kobs all roared into the last eight of the Uganda Cup on the opening weekend at different venues of which many were marred by soggy turfs due to heavy rains. Not even the unforgiving playing conditions would derail the trio which was joined by Warriors, Rhinos, Mongers, Buffaloes and Hippos who also clinched wins although the latter had to dig deep to knock out fellow Super 10 side Rams. Two penalties from captain Maxwell Ebong pushed booked Hippos a quarterfinal berth against Kobs on Saturday. “It was a bit wet which made it hard to play with the ball on top of solid Rams defence,” said Hippos coach Saidi Atibu.
At Kyadondo, the view from the touchline was a sorry one mud caked players struggled to recognize teammates at some stages. Sailors and Buffaloes opened the stage at Kyadondo only to worsen the conditions which came off hilarious for those in the stands. “You cannot ask too much from players in these conditions. They are not the best to play in,” said Warriors coach-player Gabriel Aredo who later came on two convert twice as his side beat Stallions 27-0 to progress with Heathens next in line.
The Makerere grounds too witnessed the spirit of rugby under the same cruel conditions in the Impis- Heathens duel which had the visitors dish out a number of debuts. Kobs’ Keith Seruyange and Pirates’ new boy Michael Amollo got hat tricks for their sides. Pirates host Rhinos in the quarters, Hippos visit Kobs and Mongers entertain Buffaloes.
Weekend results
Impis 10-40 Heathens
Hippos 6- 3 Rams
Buffaloes 42-3 Sailors
Kisubi 0-67 Pirates
Stallions 0-27 Warriors
Mbale 0 - 93 Kobs
Rhinos 23-3 Kyambogo
Walukuba 0-60 Mongers
