Pirates win third consecutive Nile Special Rugby Premiership title in extra time

Nile Special Rugby Premiership

Result

Final

Pirates 44 Hippos 23

Pirates secured their third consecutive Nile Special Rugby Premiership title after a dominant extra-time performance, thrashing the Jinja Hippos 44-23 in the final at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere on Saturday.

The match began with the hosts taking an early lead through a penalty by William Nkore, setting the tone for the game. However, it was the Hippos who struck first, with Emmanuel Odoi crossing the try line and Yassin Wasswa adding the conversion to make it 7-3.

Pirates responded with a try from Haruna Muhammad, and Nkore extended their lead with a drop goal. The Hippos fought back, with Tony Khadambi scoring a try that Wasswa converted, giving the Jinja side a 14-13 lead at the break.

In the second half, Pirates were more determined, and Conrad Wanyama’s try gave them a 14-18 advantage. The Hippos, not to be outdone, regained the lead as Wasswa slotted two penalties and added a drop goal, taking the score to 23-18. Pirates, on the brink of defeat, fought back with a crucial try from Ivan Magomu to level the score, though he missed the conversion, sending the match into extra time.

The Hippos appeared fatigued in extra time, and Pirates capitalized on their tiredness. Timothy Kisiga, Jones Kamiza, and Haruna Muhammad all scored tries, pushing the score to 44-23, and sealing the victory for Pirates.

“We always remind the boys that rugby is a 100-minute game,” said Pirates coach Marvin Odong. “The 80 minutes are just a guide. We’ve worked hard on their mental strength to push beyond that.”

The Hippos fought valiantly for the full 80 minutes but lacked the depth to challenge Pirates in the extra period, leaving them still waiting for their first title.