MTN Heathens beat Toyota Bufaloes 20-06 in a close and entertaining encounter to win their record 11th Nile Special Super 8 Rugby title at Kyadondo ground on Saturday evening.
“This is a special win,” Heathens’ coach, wearing a glorious smile, told Kawowo Sports moments after celebration.
That’s five in a row for the Yellow Machine and most probably still counting! Perhaps it leaves a lot for nemesis side DMark Kobs to think about.
Kobs, the 10-time winners, whose title hopes were halted by Buffaloes in a 22-20 loss at the semifinals, trounced G4S Pirates 48-10 to confirm third place moments before the big game.
But Heathens did not raise the bar way too high, it was close at the start and when Buffaloes looked for a try to ignite a comeback late in the second period.
“Buffaloes is a good team. They pushed till the end though in vain.” Tabaruka credited the youngsters.
It was going to be hard for skipper Alfred Bijik and company to level ends after trailing 15-00 before recess.
“Definately its not what we expected. It was a bad day.” Bijik said.
Bishop Onen was the centre of attraction on the left wing. He scored a penalty and try before setting up Micheal Wokorach for another touch down minutes before the break. He also made the conversion – something that got him the man-of-match honour.
After Tabaruka’s talk, Heathens needed to kill it off early. Captain Alex Mubiru’s quick pass broke through to lock Grace Lubega who ran past about four defenders and scored a try to stretch the lead to 20-00. Onen missed the kick.
Veteran Robert Seguya, Bijik and Phillip Pariyo started Buffaloes’ resurgence but the late charge could hardly turn the fortunes.
Pariyo scored two penalties and missed another. Efforts to reach the try line remained futile as tactical changes and Heathens’ defence kept the opponents at bay.
“It is not us, it is not Heathens but its God’s work,” a smiling Mubiru said before lifting the trophy.
NILE SPECIAL SUPER 8 RUGBY
Final – MTN Heathens 20-06 Toyota Buffaloes
Third place Play off – DMark Kobs 48-10 G4S Pirates