There were close scores across the board as the twelve teams in the new Nile Special Rugby Championship got their campaigns underway in game week one.
If the powers that be were looking for an advert for the new arrangement, last weekend provided precisely what they envisioned, close competition and edge-of-the-seat rugby.
Rugby fans in Jinja had to brave the rain to witness Jinja Hippos claim their first-ever win against a traditional top-three side.
The Hippos were 18-15 winners over the KCB KOBs. Calvin Gizamba opened the scoring with a penalty, but the Hippos quickly responded with a runaway try through Ayman Bagalana to give the home side a 05-03 lead at the break.
After the break, the Hippos still had the foot on the gas and ran in two quick, unconverted tries to jump to a 15-03 lead.
It would take the veteran legs on Joseph Aredo to break down the Hippos’ defence before setting up KOBs’ first try, which Rasul Abiriga converted.
With the KOBs breathing down their necks, the Hippos drilled in a penalty to push the score to 18-10. The KOBs got another score through Saul Kivumbi, but the resultant conversion was missed, and the game ended 18-15.
Other Weekend Championship Fixtures
Rugby revellers in Lugogo were treated to a nerve-wracking 16-12 Heathens win over the reigning champions, Stanbic Balck Pirates.
The Pirates got the scoreboard ticking with two penalties off the boot of Captain Ivan Magomu before Innocent Gwokto pulled Heathens within one before the break to send the game 06-05 at halftime.
Malcolm Okello took over the reigns in the second half with two penalties for the Heathens to push the hosts ahead, but Ivan Magomu answered right back with two for the Pirates to regain the lead at 12-11.
A late Charles Uhuru try would ensure that the win stays at Kyadondo with the Heathens.
Makerere Landlords Impis took down the Lifeguard Rams in a tight arm wrestle to win 14-12 and avenge the Uganda Cup quarterfinal loss.
In Kitante, Keith Mugisha put on a clinic to inspire newbies Kampani’s Eagles to a 17-13 win over Walukuba Barbarians.
Buffaloes will rue their visit to the Mongers‘ shores, losing 24-19, while the Rhinos came out on top in the Battle of the Legends, winning 18-11 against the Warriors.
Notably, all losing sides registered losing bonus points.
NSRC Gameweek 1 Results:
Mongers 24-19 Buffaloes
Hippos 18-15 Kobs
Rams 12-14 Impis
Eagles 17-13 Walukuba
Rhinos 18-11 Warriors
Reserve Championship Results
Mongers ll 00-22 Buffaloes ll
Rams ll 12-15 Impis ll
Hippos ll 09-08 Kobs ll
Heathens ll 17-11 Pirates ll
Warriors ll 00-27 Rhinos ll
Courtesy Photos
