Kobs win league unbeaten, Pirates escape relegation

By Johnson Were

The 2013/2014 Nile Special rugby league ended on Saturday with DMark Kobs sealing their title with an unbeaten run, a fete last achieved in 2010 when Heathens won all their league games.

Kobs edged resilient Toyota Buffaloes 23-15 at Legends Kampala Rugby Club in an enthralling encounter that saw Kobs’ head prop and team captain Brian Odongo limp off the pitch with a thigh muscle injury.

Victor Wadia, Brian Asaba and Ramathan Govule were on target with tries while James Injongat, Joseph Aredo and Adrian Kasato shared penalties and conversions.

“It’s a great moment for us celebrating a non-beaten record league victory but we are not resting till we have the Uganda Cup with us,” team captain Odongo said after their victory.

Ronald Musajjagulanyago was voted Man of the Match for a second time this season.

Pirates sidestep relegation   

As expected going into the clash, Sadolin Mongers versus Pirates lived to its billing as the latter emerged 29-9 victors which ensured they survive relegation.

Tries by Ivan Magomu, David Otwi, and team captain Eric Butime, with penalties and conversions by Kevin Makmot gave Pirates a 29-9 milestone victory that saved them from playing the relegation play-off against Makerere Xfm Impis.

Their Saturday defeat placed the Mongers in sixth position and will now have to face Championship League winners Xfm Impis in a play-off whose winner will play in the Super Six premiership in the 2014/2015 Nile Special League.

“It was a tough game but the boys were determined because we vowed not to be relegated or even play the play-off and we have made it,” said Pirates captain Eric Butime.

With the all the league games ending Saturday, Mutoni Warriors, Lira Bulls are already to the Championship league where they face Stallions, Tigers, Boks and the loser between Mongers and Xfm Impis.

    Rugby League results   

Rhinos 13 Heathens 22

Pirates 29 Sadolin Mongers 9

DMark Kobs 23 Buffaloes 15

    Table standings     

1. DMark Kobs 67pts

2. Heathens 53pts

3. Buffaloes 44pts

4. Rhinos 33pts

5. Pirates 28pts

6. Mongers 27pts

     Relegated    

7. Warriors

8. Lira Bulls