Pirates stunned in Rugby League opener

By Johnson Were

Nile Special Premier Rugby League

Ezee Rhinos 29 G4S Pirates 25

MTN Heathens 24 Sadolin Mongers 7

Lira 0 Buffaloes 28

DMark Kobs 46 Mutoni Warriors 6 

THE Nile Special Premier Rugby League kicked-off on Saturday will all the top team emerging victorious with the exception of G4S Pirates who were humiliated in a 29-25 defeat by Ezee Rhinos.

At Legends Rugby Club, Marshal Tchumcan and David Kakuba scored a try each while Byron Atubikire managed a penalty and conversion to give the new look Rhinos a 15-6 halftime lead.

Pirates’ two penalties were scored by new signing Kevin Makmot.

In the second half, Pirates regrouped and managed to gain a 20-15 lead through a try by David Otwi a new signing from Mutoni Warriors, Eric Butime and a conversion by Makmot.

With four minutes left Emmanuel Engatich scored the winning try and Atubikire’s conversion made sure of Pirates’ 29-25 defeat.

“It is much motivating that the young boys are maturing and got that self believe to fight back which we have been lacking and this morale will take us a step up,” Rhinos captain Marshal Tchumcan who was also voted man of match stated.

In the other fixture at Legends, Kobs whipped Mutoni Warriors 46-6 with new signing Scot Oluoch registering his name on the score sheet with a try, two tries from Oscar Kalyango and one each from Ramzathan Govule, Andrew Barasa, Richard Barigye and Cyrus Watum while James Ijongat chipped in with a penalty and three conversions.

Oscar Kalyango was voted man of the match after the game.

At Kyadondo Rugby Club, Heathens edged past hard fighting Sadolin Entebbe Mongers 24-7 with Asuman Mugerwa managing a couple of tries while Evans Kingasia and Arthur Mukama managed a try each before Allan Okello and Bishop Onen weighed in with a conversion each.