In a match filled with intensity, missed chances, and moments of brilliance, Heathens Rugby Football Club battled to a hard-fought 15-13 victory over Victoria Sharks at the Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday evening.
The win, their sixth of the 2025 Uganda Rugby Premiership campaign, was a testament to their resilience despite missing key players.
Without the likes of Steven Kalema, Emma Ochan, and Alex Otim, Heathens started strong, setting the tempo early.
Joseph Oyet opened the scoring with a well-taken try, sending the home crowd into early cheers.
However, their momentum seemed to falter as Malcom Okello, who would later be named MVP, struggled from the kicking tee, missing both the conversion and a subsequent penalty.
Still, Heathens kept pressing forward, and Claude Otema extended their lead with another try in the 19th minute. Yet again, Okello’s boot betrayed him, as he failed to convert, leaving the score at 10-0.
Victoria Sharks, desperate to stay in the fight, clawed back into the game through a Davis Kyewalabye penalty, ensuring the visitors trailed 10-3 at halftime.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Victoria Sharks side, making tactical substitutions that shifted the game’s momentum.
Their persistence paid off as experienced hooker Saul Kivumbi powered over the line for a try in the 46th minute, reducing the deficit to just two points at 10-8.
With Sharks gaining confidence and threatening to cause an upset, Heathens needed a response. That answer came in the form of Scott Olouch, who crashed over the try line to restore Heathens’ cushion at 15-8.
It was a crucial moment that settled nerves, even as Okello continued to have an off-day with his conversions.
The game, however, was far from over. Victoria Sharks refused to back down and set up a nervy finish with Andrew Ogwal’s late try.
But just when it looked like they might snatch an upset, Israel Makokha’s failed conversion meant their comeback attempt fell short, handing Heathens the win and condemning Sharks to their fourth loss of the season.
The victory propelled Heathens to fourth on the Premiership log with 30 points, nine behind the high-flying Black Pirates, who continued their dominant run with a crushing 62-22 win over the Eagles. KOBs also held their ground in second place after a 37-31 victory over Walukuba.
Elsewhere in Matchday 9 action, Warriors secured a 36-11 away win over Elgon Wolves, Rhinos overcame Buffaloes at Legends, while Hippos triumphed 27-17 against Mongers in Jinja.
