The top two teams after the regular season (Platinum Credit Heathens and Jinja Hippos) registered victories in reverse but incredible circumstances.
The Heathens looked in control all the way to earn a 29-18 victory over the KCB KOBs, while the Jinja Hippos needed a late try tow in 28-27 against the defending champions, Stanbic Black Pirates.
Here’s what we learnt:
1. Legends is home
Unintentionally, the Platinum Credit Heathens have given their social media handler, their fans and online army a new home this year, the Kampala Rugby Club, or as it is popularly known, Legends.
This year alone, the Heathens have beaten the KOBs in their own house, three times; a 30-23 Uganda Cup semifinal win, a 25-13 regular season and the most recent 29-18 championship semifinal win and we haven’t even gone half way into the year.
You can say that they walked into KOBs’ house, put their feet on the table, used their towel, turned on the TV and relegated the home team to watching through burglar proofing.
2. Dam Waters Fortress
Thus far, only one rugby ground in the championship can pass for a fortress, Dam Waters in Jinja, home of the Jinja Hippos.
The Jinja Hippos played seven regular season games and 2 playoffs at the venue and have won 8 of those games, while salvaging one draw. The only team to come to Jinja and not get beat was the Platinum Credit Heathens who managed a 20-20 draw in February.
The Stanbic Black Pirates became the latest victims of the Jinja Hippos thanks to a late Bright Mukisa effort that helped the Hippos to an upset 28-27 win.
3. Jacob Ochen’s perfect run
The Hippos must be ecstatic because of Jacob Ochen’s form. The backrower has returned from his Wales stint in amazing form.
The enforcer has ignited Hippos down the stretch with his perfect scoring run. He has been around for three games and has managed to score a try in all three. He has come up with multiple turnovers for the side and when they go on the attack, the flanker is always there to finish what he started.
As we close the championship and get into the international window, it is clear Jacob is playing while raising his hand for the national team selectors to give him a chance in the back row.
4. The game is ultimately won by kickers
It may be unfair to the other 22 players but it is just what it is – the kicker usually gives you the winning edge. It matters naught if you get in favorable positions for kicks and the assigned kickers cannot make the kicks.
The KOBs will rue the chances at the posts that they missed in their semifinal against the Heathens. Had those penalties landed, we would be hvaing a different conversation alotogether. It was Malcolm Okello’s penalty kicks that gave Heathens the licence to roam and run for those two tries.
In Jinja, while Pirates seemed like they were running away with the tie, Elvis Opira kept the home side within reach with the three well taken penalties and crucial conversions to give the Jinja Hippos a fighting chance.
5. It is far from over
While we have two sides going into the second leg with wins, the way the first round ties ended tells you that this is far from over.
The KCB KOBs cross Jinja road to play the Heathens at Kyadondo Rugby Club, a venue they’ve not won at in more than five years. But, they seemed to get positioning right late on at Legends.
Adrian Kasito moved into scrumhalf and the ball distribution improved. Owing to this, the KOBs visited the Heathens 22 twice and came away with two tries and a conversion. More of the same fight at Kyadondo and we’ll be in for a feast.
While Hippos avoided defeat against the Pirates, they had to take the win by the skins of their teeth. Up until the final whistle, both teams were in it.
The Stanbic Black Pirates had an amazing first half, while the Jinja Hippos had a mega second half. The Pirates and Hippos pushed each other to the end. When these sides met in the regular season, Pirates were narrow winners at Kings Park Arena, the venue for the return leg.
Courtesy Photos
