SMACK looks to upset Hana in schools semi-final

By Johnson Were

St Marys’ College Kisubi (SMACK) coach admits having struggled in the group stages but is optimistic his charges will upset defending champions Hana this Sunday when they meet in the schools rugby semi-final at Kyadondo Rugby Club.

The meet will be a repeat of last year’s semi-final between the two veteran school sides at Kampala Rugby Club. SMACK lost 8-10 to Hana. But two days before Sunday’s game, the Kisubi side maintains it will work to its limits to overturn the previous result.

SMACK’s coach, Ronald Mutebi says his charges will dig deep into their star-studded opponent’s territory to reclaim the title they last won in 2009.

Hana boasts of Super Eight rugby league players Philip Wokorach and Alfred Bijik.

 “If we managed to contain them last year when they had all the stars including Magomu [Ivan], then I am confident the Eagles [SMACK] will do it this time. We just need an insight into how they play then I do my usual frustrating counter strategy,” Mutebi expressed his confidence in his side.

To earn a slot in the semi-final stage, SMACK drew 9-9 with Kyambogo in their last group game while defending champions Hana whipped London College 41-0.

Five-time winners, King's College Budo will face Namilyango College in another semi-final derby. Namilyago has won the title two times better than their Sunday opponents, Budo.

Namilyango won a bruising encounter, edging 2002 champions Kyambogo College 10-05 at Kyadondo Rugby Club while Budo saw off Vienna College School 28-0.

Meanwhile, Greenhill Academy, Tororo Progressive Academy, Jinja SS, Ntare School, Aduku SS and Turkish Light School will be joined by St. Lawrence and Cream land and Seroma Christian are in the nationwide league finals that will have the winner promoted to the Super Eight League next year.

Schools semi-finals on Sunday March 25:

U14 Semi at 11am   

 SMACK v Namilyango

 Budo v Kyambogo

U16 Semi at 12:00pm

 Namilyango v Budo

 London College v SMACK at 1pm

U19 Semi at 3:00pm

Namilyango v Budo

Hana v SMACK