By Johnson Were

Nile Special Rugby League

Pirates 16 Heathens 24

Buffaloes 22 Kobs 18

Rhinos 12 Xfm Impis 12

Women league

T’birds 127 Sharks 0

Semifinal fixtures

Heathens v G4S Pirates

Kobs v Buffaloes

BUFALLOES will have to prove their fans that the 22-18 win against D’Mark Kobs was not a fluke as the two teams will meet in one of the semi-finals of the restructured Nile Special Premier Rugby League later this month.

Toyota Buffaloes captain Alfred Bijik led by example as he inspired his side to their first ever victory over the former champions at Kyadondo club on Saturday.

With Kobs leading 18-15 in the second half, Bijik picked the ball from a scrum, sprinted to touch the try line before Man of the Match Philip Pario converted to seal the victory.

“This is the moment we have been waiting for in a very long time and I am glad that we have got it,” an excited Bijik stated.

“It was determination, heart and belief of the boys, but it’s just the beginning. Even Pirates will follow suit next week (on Friday),” Bijik stressed. 

Boosted by a perfect foot, Pario gave Buffaloes a 9-0 lead through penalties but Kobs replied with a try and a conversion and later a penalty by Joseph Aredo to gain a 11-9 half time lead.

In the second half, Kobs added a try and a conversion to stretch the lead but buoyed on by a home crowd, Buffaloes mounted pressure and got two penalties to close the gap to 18-15 before Bijik and Pario combined to deliver victory.

“We knew we were already in the semifinals but the most important thing is that our experiment failed to work. But we are waiting for them to prove today’s result in the semifinal,” Kobs’ captain Andrew Barasa warned.

At Legends Kampala Rugby Club, Xfm Impis collected their fourth point of the season as they drew 12-12 with hosts Rhinos.

The Vision Group sponsored Makerere side has stepped up their performance in the last two games beating Sadolin Mongers and holding Rhinos.