Semi-final clash looms as Kobs survive Buffaloes scare

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Nile Special Rugby Premiership

Heathens 10 Victoria 10 (Heathens advance on 51-36 agg.)

Kobs 30 Buffaloes 19 (Kobs advance on 37-36 agg.)

Pirates 36 Walukuba 6 (Pirates advance on 63-26 agg.)

Hippos 25 Rhinos 0 (Hippos advance on 45-11 agg.)

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Rugby clubs Kobs, Pirates, Hippos and Heathens have qualified for the Nile Special Rugby Premiership semi-finals.

The KCB Kobs, who lost 17-7 to Toyota Buffaloes in the first leg at Kyadondo, survived by a whisker at Legends Rugby Club, winning the return leg 30-19 to scrape through on a 37-36 aggregate.

Their only other tight win this season was against the Jinja Hippos, whom they edged 24-23 in the regular season thanks to a last-minute drop goal by Joseph Aredo.

At Kyadondo, Platinum Credit Heathens drew 10-10 with Victoria Sharks but progressed to the semi-finals with a 51-36 aggregate, having won the first leg 41-26.

Heathens' Nicholas Kato helps opponet Sharks' Saul Kivumbi to wash his face during their game at Kyadondo. (Photo by Johnson Were)

The defending champions now face Stanbic Black Pirates in the semi-finals — the Bweyogerere-based side that beat them 33-31 in the regular season.

In Jinja, the Hippos beat the visiting Rhinos 25-0 to book a semi-final clash with KCB Kobs.

At Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Stanbic Black Pirates defeated Walukuba Barbarians 36-6 in a match that ended prematurely.

Coach Leo Lubambula attributed the protest to poor officiating by referee Gozanga Mayanja, accusing him of bias.

“The captain called off his players because of poor officiating and the referee was not giving him the opportunity to be heard,” Lubambula said.