Rugby fans in Uganda are in a frenzy following the return of the mercurial sport today.
The Nile Special Stout league returned to action today with a blockbuster of fixtures lined up for the rugby faithful.
Much as the Union had pronounced itself accurately on their No Fans policy, it was evident that this policy wasn’t going to be considered as fans made themselves comfortable at the various grounds by 2:00pm. We’ll take you through the day’s events.
Buffaloes 15: 03 Rams
Buffaloes hosted Mulago Rams for Kyadondo’s lunchtime kick-off. Rams drew first blood with Joseph Kana converting a penalty in the 12th Minute. Liam Walker converted another spot kick with the match going to the break in a stalemate. Vicent Okello and Solomon Agani each crossed the white chalk in the second half with Walker converting one.
Heathens 24: 19 Pirates
Stanbic Pirates travelled to Kyadondo to make a date with defending champions Heathens at 4pm for what was widely considered the Match day one’s biggest game. The 2018 champions, who were welcoming captain Ivan Magomu having missed a great part of last season due to study engagements suffered the first setback of the game with Aziz Khan scoring the first try.
New signing Solomon Okia opened the sea robbers’ account making good use of Willian Nkore’s pass at the wing. Steven Alur was successful with the extras. Michael Wokorach was soo good for the Bweyogerere side as he set up sevens star Aaron Ofoywrothwho for Heathen’s second. The teams went for the break with heathens leading 10:07. Scrum-half Paul Epilo dazzled the Pirates backline as Oyet got the extras.
Ofoywroth dotted his second of the day after brilliantly intercepting a Pirates ball before Ivan Magomu and Sunday Jaguar got one each to keep the score respectable. With eight games to go, Pirates will have to climb a steep hill if they are to get the silverware.
Rhinos 0: 51 Kobs
With Legends Rugby Club unable to host it’s match day one fixtures, the Union moved Rhinos’ encounter with Kobs to King’s Park Arena. Last season’s bottom club Rhinos start the season in a familiar position as they could not contain Pius Ogena who touched down four times.
New signings James Odong and Brian Ochan also got their names on the score sheet. There was enough time for Karim Arinaitwe and captain Brian Asaba to join the party. Last season’s top try scorer Daudi Semwami also scored one as fly half James Ijongant converted three tries.
Impis 10: 15 Mongers
As is the norm, Makerere Graveyard was beaming with lots of supporters contrary to the Union’s guidelines. Impis who honoured their fallen teammate Graham Mubanda an honorary place in the squad welcomed Entebbe side Mongers.
Speedster Timothy Luyirika and seasoned campaigner Chisano’s tries were enough for the Entebbe side to get bragging rights.
Kennedy Muhumuza dotted down for Impis as Stallone Arinaitwe returned to the Arrogance fold with a conversion. Robert Ssetongo and Wakabi were successful with spot-kicks for their respective teams.
Matchday one had four games as the Jinja Hippos trip to Lugogo was postponed to a later date due to Legends Rugby Club’s inability to host the matches. The encounter with Warriors will be scheduled for a suitable time during the season.
