With the echoes of a 41-26 defeat still fresh, Victoria Sharks captain Awan David stood tall, firm in spirit and full of belief.
As his side prepares for a decisive return leg against the Heathens on April 12th, Awan’s message is simple: “This fight isn’t over yet.”
Last Friday evening at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, the defending champions, Heathens, delivered a statement performance in the first leg of the Uganda Rugby Premiership quarterfinals.
Their powerful second-half display flipped the script after trailing at halftime, giving them a 15-point cushion heading into the second leg.
But if the Heathens think they’ve sealed the deal, they’ll have to contend with a Sharks team determined to bite back.
“This is playoff rugby,” Awan said, reflecting on the first-leg clash.
“Teams come into such games with high momentum. In the second half, as soon as the Heathens put in a few points, they got momentum. They came at us hard.”
While the Sharks showed promise early on, it was the second half discipline or lack of consistency that proved costly. Awan was candid in his assessment;
“Another thing that killed us in the game was the back foot. We were giving away very many penalties and failing to fall back in time. The quick scratches led to some of the points.”
It’s a lesson they’re taking to heart. With a week to recalibrate, the Sharks are focusing on shoring up their defensive structure, especially their reactions to penalties.
“This week, we’re working on reaction to the penalty. Getting back onside very fast to avoid what happened in the second half,” he emphasized.
Despite the deficit, the skipper’s resolve hasn’t wavered; “Yes, we’re 15 points behind, but rugby is a game of 80 minutes,” he reminded.
Awan’s voice carries the conviction of a leader who believes in his team’s ability to turn the tide; “We shall go when we’re determined. We shall go when we know that anything is possible. It’s a game of 80 minutes. We shall give it our best. It’s not yet over.”
As the Sharks prepare to return to Kyadondo for a second time, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The quarterfinal door may be heavy, but it’s not shut, not yet.
Second Leg Fixtures | April 12th | 4 PM
- Heathens vs Victoria Sharks – Kyadondo
- KOBs vs Buffaloes – Legends
- Jinja Hippos vs Rhinos – Dam Waters
- Black Pirates vs Walukuba Barbarians – Kings Park
