The Rugby Uganda Cup competition resumed after a three-year slumber with teams involved in the returning competition, all out to battle for progress to the next round over the weekend.

The competition that went silent following the outbreak of the coronavirus and its subsequent challenges to sports around the globe finally returned with Uganda Rugby Union making it a 16 men and 8 women teams competition.

And the returning competition over the weekend saw among others Mbarara Titans match into the fray against defending champions, Betway Kobs.

By no sporting means whatsoever, the Mbarara City-based Titans would not match the might of the local rugby giants that have seen it all in this area they have mastered.

When the game kicked off at Mbarara High School grounds on Saturday evening, all odds were onesided with the hosts given no chance for even a try, and the first half of the encounter saw them struggle with just a penalty scored by Simon Makumbi with the visitors boasting a massive 29-3 lead, all from Otto Michael, Pius Ocena (2) and Odungo Faragi tries.

The second half was even more of a one-way traffic with the Titans remaining on the receiving end as Kobs stars Osuna Mark (2), Kiwalabye Daun, Jjuko Jude, Oyesigye Paul, and Saul Kivumbi all diving on the byline for the Kobs tries while Josiah Ssempeke (6 conversions) made the needed damage with his accuracy on conversions.

With the game at 72-6 in favour of the visitors, Mbarara Titans’ Allan Karuhanga rose above the rest in Kobs half to grab the ball away and make a swift run to the line for Titans' only try before Joseph Nahurira converted it to arouse wild cheers from the local fans and even force smiles on the Kobs faces for the game to end 72-13.

To many Mbarara Titans fans and players, it was beyond the result but rather a chance for them to prove their capabilities against the very cream of Rugby players on the land as team captain Asa Muhanguzi asserts.

“We knew we were underdogs in this encounter but as a team, we are thankful that we were given a chance to showcase against the very best, and without looking at the scores, the real game on the ground showed we are also good. We shall now go for the bowl which we shall play with all the confidence,” Said Muhanguzi.

The win propels Kobs to the next level where they will meet other sides like Stanbic Black Pirates, Heathens, Plascon Mongers, Rams, Hippos, and Toyota Buffaloes that triumphed over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Thunderbirds were the biggest women club winners following a 115-00 win over Kabale Princesses and will be joined in the next round by Avengers and Lira Strickers that had walkovers over Mbale Eagles and Ewes and will be joined by the winner between Lira Matrix and Gulu Sprinters.

Uganda Cup was last played in 2019 where Kobs won for the second time in a row with a close 15-14 over Heathens before the pandemic set in to disorganize sports.

2022 Rugby Uganda Cup first round results

Women

Kabale Princesses 00 Thunderbirds 115

Avengers 20 Mbale Eagles 00

Lira Strickers 20 Ewes 00

Lira Matrix – Gulu Sprinters (Not Played)

Men

Mbarara Titans 13 Kobs 72

Boks 00 Heathens 62

Kyambogo 03 Stanbic Black Pirates 71

Rams 17 Warriors Warriors 12

Walukuba 03 Rhinos 20

Mbale Elephants 00 Plascon Mongers 45

Stallions 03 Hippos 34

Impis 06 Toyota Buffaloes 17