Crocs rugby franchise emerged winner of the 2014 Protector Rugby Super Series on Saturday, upsetting formidable Protectors in an epic final that ended; Protectors 17:19 Crocs.
The event that attracted several dignitaries and big crowds of rugby fans was highlighted with flamboyant cheerleaders who preceded the rugby battle that had fans’ emotions spill all over.
Coach Robert Seguya’s Protectors commenced on a low, despite being billed as favourites when they conceded two Adrian Kasito penalties to trail 00:06 in the opening minutes of the first half.
Crocs who lost an encounter 22:13 to the same opponents in the group games followed with swift chest-high passes bossing the match, until Patrick Oguru’s half time maul try that had Protectors pack closer to their uprights.
However, not all was lost for Protectors as they came back for the second half, buoyed up and much stronger.
Chris Lubanga’s penalty led Protectors to sniff of possibility for just a few minutes before Crocs condemned again, Partick Oguru notching a left flag maul try to extend the score to Protectors 03:16 Crocs.
Protectors backline were then pressured, Crocs pushing them within touching distance for over twenty minutes as they successfully stopped any attempts towards the other field side.
Gerald Sewankambo’s try that followed another maul finally punched Protectors back into contention finding another through Chris Opa, immediately after Chris Lubanga’s good conversion for the Protectors.
At this moment, crowds were all on their feet anxiously waiting for the final whistle, since that last try had dramtically put Protectors just one point ahead,the score reading Protectors 17:16 Crocs.
The expected barely happened, as Crocs engaged Protectors in a maul that controversially gifted them a good Ivan Mugirya penalty, that clinched the trophy at a final score; Protectors 17:19 Crocs.
Coach Robert Seguya was clearly disappointed and questioned the referee’s last decisions of the game.
Crocs’ Simon Wakabi was delighted at their performance and thanked the fans for the support in a post match interview. “Crocs fans thank you so much and we didnot you,”he said.
Protector Rugby Super Series Final Result
Protectors 17:19 Crocs
