Pirates prevail to claim fourth rugby premiership title
"It's been a rough few weeks. We've been to hell and back, but God has been good to us and the boys. They needed a lot of strength to bring it all together," said a relieved Marvin Odong.
Stanbic Black Pirates celebrate defending the Nile Special Rugby Premiership at Kings Park Arena in Wakiso district. (Photos by Johnson Were)
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Nile Special Rugby Premiership
Pirates 30 Buffaloes 29
Stanbic Black Pirates secured their fourth Nile Special Rugby Premiership title after a thrilling 30–29 victory over Toyota Buffaloes at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere on Saturday (June 27).
The Buffaloes made a sluggish start and succumbed to early pressure as Nathan Bwambale opened the scoring to give the home side a 5–0 lead.
The hosts strengthened their grip on the match when Frank Kidega produced a brilliant solo run to score, helping Pirates extend their lead to 20–6.
Stanbic Black Pirates' Ariho Muhumuza in black fights for the ball against the Buffaloes opponent during the Nile Special Rugby Stanbic Black Pirates' Ariho Muhumuza in black fights for the ball against the Buffaloes opponent during the Nile Special Rugby Stanbic Black Pirates' Ariho Muhumuza in black fights for the ball against the Buffaloes opponent during the Nile Special Rugby Premiership final at Kings Park Arena. p final at Kings Park Arena. final at Kings Park Arena.
Pirates added another try, prompting the Buffaloes to make changes. Leonard Ndikuryayo was introduced and made an immediate impact, crossing for a try to bring the visitors back to within two scores. The Buffaloes added another penalty before the break to trail 25–13 at half-time.
As they have done throughout the season, the Buffaloes found another gear after the interval and piled pressure on Pirates. Titus Oyoo opened the scoring in the second half as the visitors narrowed the deficit to 25–20.
Just as the Buffaloes appeared to be building momentum, Erick Mula latched onto an attempted kick from Yasin Wasswa and raced over the try line to stretch Pirates' advantage to 30–20. At that stage, Pirates looked to have one hand on the trophy, but the Buffaloes refused to surrender.
Wasswa stepped up to take four penalties and successfully converted three. His final attempt, however, drifted wide, allowing Pirates to cling to their slender one-point lead and seal the title.
"It is a very painful day because we had set ourselves the target of winning the final. We started a bit slowly in the first half, but we came back well in the second half. We had a penalty that was supposed to put us ahead, and to miss it was not okay," said Buffaloes captain Daniel Otim.
For Pirates, it was a moment of celebration and reflection after the loss of a teammate a few weeks ago.
"It's been a rough few weeks. We've been to hell and back, but God has been good to us and the boys. They needed a lot of strength to bring it all together," said a relieved Marvin Odong.
Both clubs will now take a break before turning their attention to next month's Rugby Sevens season.