Kobs drag Pirates back into title race

Running away with the title? Kobs’ James Ijongat beats and leaves Heathens’ Scot Olouch on his fours on the turf during their clash last weekend. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO

By  Deus Bugembe

What you need to know:

Derby shaping. Pirates’ final game of the single-leg season is against Kobs, whose title they foiled last season but this time round they would not be handing Heathens the title on final day

There is already a good feeling about the last day of the season for the first time in a while, thanks to Betway Kobs’ 19-11 win over Heathens in the Nile Special Stout Premiership on Saturday.
The result shook things by giving the Stanbic Black Pirates a lifeline. 
They are back in the title race and know that winning their last four games could give them a second league title four years. 

The last day takes Pirates to Legends to face Kobs, evoking memories of March 8 ,2019, when they had Kobs for dinner, shattering their title dreams to put Heathens at the wheel. 
It will be even a better feeling if they beat them and win the title at their rival’s backyard themselves.
“We know what we have to do because we now have a chance if we win all our games. We are focusing on the next game, every game is independent,” said Pirates captain Ivan Magomu. 
Pirates were 61-6 winners at home against Rhinos, moving from third to second place on 21 points, just three off leaders Kobs. 

Jinja Hippos moved to third after whitewashing Rams 30-0 in Jinja, while Heathens are now fourth after missing out on a losing bonus point. 
The champions are still in but will be counting on results elsewhere after their first loss of the season.
Impis beat Warriors 23-11 for their first win of the season , taking them to eighth position on five points.

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Rugby table standings
Team    p    w    d    l    Pf    Pa    BP    pts
1.Kobs    5    5    0    0    218    32     4    24
2.Pirates    5    4    0    1    191    50     5    21
3.Hippos    5    4    0    1    115    27     4    20
4.Heathens    5    4    0    1    171    47     3    19
5.Mongers    5    3    0    2    102    104      1    13
6.Buffaloes    5    2    0    3    44    135     0    8
7.Rhinos    5    2    0    3    53    174     0    8
8.Impis    5    1    0    4    47    164      1    5
9.Rams    5    0    0    5    25    129      1    1
10.Warriors    5    0    0    5    53    157      0    0
*League being played in single leg blitz

Rugby Premier League
SATURDAY RESULTS
Kobs     19-11     Heathens
Pirates     61-6     Rhinos
Impis     23-11     Warriors
Hippos     30-0     Rams
Mongers     26-14     Buffaloes
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