By: Julius Senyimba
Saturday saw upcountry side Walukuba Rugby Club pick up their first 2023 Nile Special Rugby Premier League victory and their second in the top flight history.
The Barbarians defeated Rams 11-16 away from home in a tight encounter played at Makerere University’s Graveyard grounds on Saturday.
The win saw them climb up the table from bottom to seventh place with six points in the bag, one short of the total they managed in their maiden league season.
Well, it required an extra push from man-of-the-match Shakim Ssembusi, senior players in captain Ivan Bulima, and flyhalf Bob Kawanda for the Eastern Uganda side to have a happy return journey across the River Nile.
The defeat was Rams’ second at the same pitch having previously lost a derby fight to in-form Makerere Impis, who were once again victorious on the road as they overpowered Rhinos 15-20 at Legends Rugby Club.
Fourth-placed Impis now has five wins in as many games and once again relied on the boot of Henry Nsekuye who scored 15 points on the day, picking his third man-of-the-match accolade in the process.
Still with the big boys energy, KOBs, Heathens, and Pirates all secured bonus point wins away from home to keep the top four race tight as they are all separated by only three points.
Second-placed KOBs was across Jinja road at Kyadondo Rugby Club and Pius Ogena led the charges to a commanding 32-3 victory over Toyota Buffaloes.
Outside Kampala at the Lake Victoria shores, Black Pirates were too hot for home side Plascon Mongers to handle, winning 43-12 in Entebbe. Defending champions Heathens squeezed past Jinja Hippos thanks to a dominant second-half display in a 24-32 score.
Action returns on Saturday 18th February 2023 with all eyes on the mouthwatering encounter at Kyadondo that will see unbeaten Impis visit Heathens.
Courtesy photos
