Pirates seal third Premiership title with extra-time blitz

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Nile Special Rugby Premiership

Pirates 44 Hippos 23

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The Pirates have claimed their third Nile Special Rugby Premiership title after overpowering the Jinja Hippos in extra time, securing a 44-23 win in the final at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere on Saturday.

The match began with the hosts taking an early penalty through William Nkore, setting a positive tone. However, it was the Hippos who struck first with a try by Emmanuel Odoi, converted by Yassin Wasswa to make it 7-3.

The Pirates responded with a try from Haruna Muhammad, and Nkore added a drop goal. The Hippos then regained the lead with a try by Tony Khadambi, which was successfully converted, giving the Jinja side a 14-13 advantage at half-time.

The Pirates showed their intent early in the second half as Conrad Wanyama created the much-needed separation, taking the score to 14-18.

The Hippos refused to relent, with Wasswa converting two penalties and adding a drop goal to take their tally to 23. The Pirates appeared to be on the brink of defeat until Ivan Magomu scored a crucial try to level the match. However, he failed to convert, sending the game into extra time.

The Hippos looked worn out, and it showed in their extra-time performance.

Timothy Kisiga, Jones Kamiza, and Haruna Muhammad all crossed the line with tries, taking the final score to 44-23 and securing the Pirates’ third championship title. The Hippos, meanwhile, remain in search of their first.

“Every time we are down here at the pitch, I tell the boys a rugby game is a 100-minute game. The 80 minutes is just a small guide. I have tried to build their mental strength to go beyond 80 minutes,” said Pirates coach Marvin Odong.

The Hippos gave it their all during the 80 minutes but lacked the bench strength to overcome the Pirates in the end.