Protectors win Rugby Super series in bloody tie

By Johnson Were

Rugby Super Series Results

Final:  Protectors 13 Crocs 7

Third playoff:

Fimbo 21 Ridgebacks 15
 
Protectors franchise that comprises of Heathens and  Warriors  put up a big fight on the home turf managing to defeat Crocs 13-7 in the final of the Rugby Super Series  at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday.

This was sweet revenge for last year's defeat that led to their coach Robert Sseguya fainting.

Crocs that looked solid in the beginning broke up after 35 minutes when their key players Brian Odongo, James Ijongat and Marshal Tchumcam were sin-binned for 10 minutes each.

Protectors scored to their first Rugby Super Series title on Saturday in a match undermined by a fist fight between senior players Mathias Ochwo, a former Rugby Cranes team captain and Marshal Tchumcan, also a Rugby Cranes star.

As Protectors beat Crocs at Kyadondo the final turned bloody with a ground tackle degenerating into a fight between Protectors' lock Ochwo and Crocs' prop Tchumcam who exchanged punches prompting their teammates to intervene in a scuffle that took over four minutes.

Players seperate Mathias Ochwo (circled left) and Marshal Tchumcan (circled right) from a bloody fist fight. PHOTO/Johnson Were

Referee Charlie Mungoma later intervened and sin-binned/ sent both players off pitch for 10 minutes so they could get back to their senses.

James Ssenoga and Kevin Makmot gave Crocs a 7-0 lead courtesy of a try and conversion respectively but Protectors replied with a try and penalty to claim an 8-7 half time lead.

Referee Charlie Mungoma sin bins Tchumcam(left) and Ochwo (right). PHOTO/Johnson Were

In the second half both teams mounted pressure but a mistake by Crocs back Joseph Aredo handed the hosts(Protectors) a try by Daniel Mugambi to stretch the lead and final score of 13-7.

Coach Robert Sseguya lauded his boys for the determination.

"We conceded the first try but I just told the boys to calm down and stick to our game plan and that is how we managed to come back and win," Sseguya stated.

Before this final the fans were treated to great rugby action between Fimbo and Ridgebacks in the battle for third place.

Anthony Kinene's charges, despite having a bad start in the Super Series, managed to win a third position after defeating Ridgebacks 21-15 at Kyadondo in the early game.

Kinene stated that his charges were determined to prove  that they are not a poor side and that is why they managed to fight from 8-0 to win the game.