Heathens dominate Victoria Sharks in Rugby League quarterfinal first leg
Trailing 10-16 at halftime, the hosts mounted a fierce second-half resurgence.
Heathens player breaks through the Victoria Sharks. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Silvano Kibuuka
Journalist @New Vision
Rugby League Play Offs
Victoria Sharks 26 – Platinum Heathens 41
Kyadondo Rugby Ground witnessed a spectacular comeback as Heathens overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Victoria Sharks 41-26 in the opening leg of their National Rugby League quarterfinal clash.
Trailing 10-16 at halftime, the hosts mounted a fierce second-half resurgence. Joseph Oyet's back-to-back tries immediately after the break shifted momentum, while late scores from captain Norbert Okeny, Soul, and Aaron Ofoywroth sealed the victory. The strategic introduction of veteran Michael Wokorach proved instrumental in energizing Heathens' attack.
"This win proves our championship credentials," said Okeny. "We regrouped at halftime, brought in experienced players like Wokorach, and rediscovered our winning mentality. We'll build on this for next Saturday's return leg."
Victoria Sharks captain David Awan acknowledged their second-half collapse: "Our strong start means nothing if we can't maintain it. We must fix our defensive lapses before the rematch."
Matchday honours went to Heathens' Sylivester Mungufeni, whose standout performance headlined the playoff opener. The result positions Heathens favourably as they eye a title defence. The decisive second leg kicks off next Saturday.