By: Dorothy Nekesa
The women’s XV’s Central League curtains will fall today, Saturday with a title decider match between the defending champions Black Pearls and second-placed Thunderbirds women’s Rugby Club.
The top of the table clash with the winner taking it all will be at Kings Park Arena at 2 pm. Thunderbirds hosted Pearls in the first round at Kyadondo and were edged 15-17 by the latter.
Nnalubaale Sports caught up with the host coach-player Helen Buteme who is happy with her team this far and did acknowledge the threat at the door.
“It’s a fresh page for Black Pearls and we shall play like it is our first game. Thunderbirds this season has given us the kind of challenge we longed for when we sailed on top with ease last year in all codes of the game” Buteme noted.
On the flip side, Thunderbirds captain Agnes Nakuya told this website that they did their homework and they are going for the win and the crown as well.
“Today is a big day that will crown the League, for us meeting Black Pearls at their home will not be any different from our home tie against them. Come rain, come sunshine it’s coming home” Nakuya stressed.
Away from the vows and back to the contest, the visitors boast of a solid pack with Patricia Anek, Christine Nuwagaba, Aalliya Adania, Charity Atimango, Winnie Alexander Atyang, Sharon Anena, Yvonne Najjuma, and Aisha Nakityo who will be a big force for the Pirates feminine outfit to manoeuvre.
Still, with the guests, a robust ball supply from youngster Sarah Nakafeero at scrumhalf will complement Thunderbirds’ execution plan. Tactician Ben Kigongo’s side will bank on their game plan of executing in pods with eyes on their piller ball carriers.
Well, the hosts will bank on skills with speed from their ‘Ferrari’ in Emily Lekuru coupled with ‘Miles’ in Charlotte Mudoola, ball carries from Susan Adong and Emmanuella Oroma under the command of coach-player Helen Buteme.
This year’s central Women’s 15’s league has been epic in all matches amongst Black Pearls, Thunderbirds, and Avengers, with new entrants Ewes struggling to match up.
- PREVIOUS FIXTURES
2018
Black Pearls 24-26 Thunderbirds
Thunderbirds 32-17 Black Pearls
2019
Thunderbirds 27-25 Black Pearls
Black Pearls 10-14 Thunderbirds
2020
Thunderbirds 13-10 Black Pearls
2022
Thunderbirds 14-44 Black Pearls
Black Pearls 73-12 Thunderbirds
2023
Thunderbirds 15-17 Black Pearls
Black Pearls ?? -?? Thunderbirds
Courtesy photos
