Understrength Jinja Hippos show grit in win over Mongers

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An understrength Jinja Hippos side, bolstered by youthful talent and a few experienced heads, proved their resilience with a hard-fought 27-17 victory over the visiting Plascon Mongers in a Nile Special Rugby League match at Dam Waters Playground in Jinja on Saturday.

Despite missing key players, including set-piece specialist and vice-captain Yassin Wasswa, scrum-half Fahad Maido, and Meddy Bagalana, the leadership of John Echweru and captain David Waako guided the team to an important win.

Both teams struggled with errors in a scrappy first half, but Hippos struck first when Emmanuel Odoi crossed the try line six minutes in. The visitors responded with a try from Benue Twijukye, levelling the score at 5-5 by halftime.

After a spirited halftime talk from Hippos coach Edmond Quaresma, the hosts came out firing. Speedy youngster Edwin Lameriga scored twice, while Polisi Kadambi added another try to push Hippos ahead 22-5 within the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Had Yassin Wasswa been available to convert the tries, the lead could have been even more commanding.

However, Mongers capitalised on their high-press strategy, scoring two quick tries through Amos Malik and Andrew Sserumaga, with Paul Angana converting one, setting up a tense final 15 minutes.

With Mongers pressing for a comeback, Lameriga and Waako combined brilliantly down the right wing, setting up John Echweru for a decisive try in the dying minutes, sealing Hippos’ eighth league win and keeping them in second place behind leaders Pirates.

Coach Quarisma was pleased with his team’s response after their previous loss to Pirates.

"Today I was so happy to see my team respond from last weekend's loss to Pirates with a win despite having a depleted squad. The fighting spirit in my team was low, but after a halftime team talk, my boys responded to our game strategy and we went for a killer win against a very astute side that pressed us high," he said.

Mongers coach Brian Makalama was left frustrated by his team’s defensive lapses.

"We played fairly well despite the silly mistakes combined with forced errors in our defending that cost us today," he said.

Elsewhere, Walukuba Barbarians put up a spirited fight but fell 31-37 to the high-flying KCB Kobs at Walukuba Tobacco Playground. 

League leaders Pirates thrashed Kampani Eagles 62-22, while reigning champions Heathens edged Victoria Sharks 15-13 to snap their three-game losing streak. 

Rhinos defeated Toyota Buffaloes 25-23, and Warriors secured a 36-11 victory over Elgon Wolves in Mbale.

Uganda Rugby Premier League

Jinja Hippos 27-17 Plascon Mongers

Walukuba Barbarians 31-37 KCB Kobs

Rhinos 25-23 Buffaloes

Pirates 62-22 Kampani Eagles

Heathens 15-13 Victoria Sharks

Elgon Wolves 11-36 Warriors

Women's Premiership

Thunderbirds 67-7 Ewes

Panthers v She Wolves (cancelled)

Black Pearls 61-18 Nile Rapids