So close: Kobs edge Heathens in tight game

Feb 27, 2016

The game lived to its billing as fans, coaches, referees and team officials were kept on the edge for the 80 minutes of play.


Kobs 28 Heathens 27

In a sport like rugby, it's as frustrating as it is painful to lose a game by a point. And Betway Kobs have endured such pain at the hands of rivals Hima Cement Heathens in previous encounters - they lost 11-10 and 18-17 to them in last year's Nile Special Premier League.

But on Friday, the wheel of fortune whirled in Kobs' favour when they enjoyed a 28-27 sweet-revenge victory over their nemesis at the Legends.

The mouthwatering encounter had its dark side though, with Heathens players attacking referee David Kirabira and his touch judges Denis Anguyo and Charlie Mungoma.

The officials were however saved by some quick-thinking fans who shielded them from the charging players led by Alex Mubiru.

 

Former Rugby Cranes and Heathens prop Gason Onekalit condemned the indiscipline the Heathens players put on show, including team captain Michael Wokorach's decision to bar his players from a team handshake as is a rugby tradition.

"This shows coach Sseguya's boys are indiscipline. Kobs are just an opponent and not referees. Why do you refuse to shake hands?"

The whole fracas started when a last minute try by Philip Wokorach that would hand Heathens a 32-28 win was disallowed after a forward pass as described by touch judge Mungoma.

Earlier, referee Kirabira had disallowed a try for Kobs by Emma Echodu for off-side.

 

The game lived to its billing as fans, coaches, referees and team officials were kept on the edge for the 80 minutes of play.

Alfred Karikaho, Michael Amolo scored a try each and Ijongat added two conversions for Kobs while Asuman Mugerwa managed two tries and Philip Wokorach added two conversions and a penalty to give Heathens a 17-14 half-time lead.

In the second half both sides mounted pressure, with the two teams infringing on the rules of the game which led referee Kirabira to sin-bin both Oscar Kalyango (Kobs) and Mathias Ochwo.

Emma Echodu and Oscar Kalyango added a try each for the Kobs while Cox Kasigwa scored a try for Heathens, with Injongat and Wokorach adding conversions and penalties for the hosts and visitors respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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