After 7 weekends of rugby, the Kyabazinga 7s have delivered the Stanbic Black Pirates and the Black Pearls as the 2023 National 7s champions for the men and women, respectively.
Men’s Championship
After a strong day one, the Pirates needed just one more win, in the quarterfinals to fully have their name engraved on the trophy as overall champions.
In the quarterfinals, the Pirates faced off with the Heathens, their challengers.
Despite a strong start from the latter, the Pirates fought back and found Arnold Atukunda on the wing to bolt down the line and confirm the inevitable.
Sydney Gongodyo and Haruna Muhammad put the result beyond any reasonable doubt with a try each. Timothy Kisiga‘s three conversions made it a full score of 21-05.
Pirates fans in the stands at Bugembe Stadium
Women’s Championship
The Black Pearls needed a win against Kyadondo’s Thunderbirds on day 2 to confirm what we have known for the better part of this year – they are the best team.
Like their brothers, the Pearls fell behind early but found the mettle to walk away with a hard-fought 17-12 victory courtesy of 3 tries from Emily Lekuru and a conversion by Bushira Namutebi.
It is now rugby made in Bweyogerere as the two teams that call the Kings Park Arena home are ruling the rugby scene.
It is a three-peat for the Black Pearls who also won in 2021 and 2022, while it is the second title for the Pirates, who last won in 2018.
It is also double celebrations as the Pearls and Pirates add these titles to their 15s championship loot.
It has not been a smooth sail for the two teams but the booty should now feel worth it.
Courtesy Photos
