Final Score : Hima Rwenzori 06:25 Papa
2011 and 2013 Bamburi Rugby Super Series finalists Rwenzori succumbed to 06-25 thrashing by Kenya’s Papa on Saturday at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, Kampala.
Match day winners Papa showed alot of attacking intent in the opening minutes, entertaining the crowds with unmatched runs and big hits drama, only to be halted with in touching distance.
Rwenzori’s Al Hajji Manano later wisely took the matters in his own hands, scoring a drop kick, that left local fans celebrating the early 03-nil lead.
Papa immediately rebounded at restart, Bush Mwale and man of the match Augustine Lugonzo touching with simplicity close to the uprights and at the corner flag respectively.
Concentration lapses further cost Rwenzori, conceding another easy Jacob Ojee try followed by Micheal Wanjala’s conversion, prior Stone Lugya’s half time substitute entry.
Rwenzori enjoyed more of the possession at the kick off of second half, Victor Wadia testing Papa’s resilience in defence.
Eventually, Byron Atubikire highlighted his glowing rugby career, scoring a penalty to slightly push Rwenzori back into contention at 06-17 score.
Visitors Papa then returned to dominance, nudging their way to a good penalty and a maul try by Francis Akatu.
Rwenzori coach, Allan Musoke who spent the match issuing commands at the touch line, blamed the failure on the lack of experience of his players, promising to work on it.
“Some have never played Kenyan opposition before.It is about belief and experience and we are going to work on it,” he said.
Rwenzori rest next saturday while Papa proceed with another match against Kenyan counterpart Kifaru in Kakamega, Kenya at 2.00pm.
Pool B-(franchise composition)
Papa-(KCB, Mwamba, Homeboyz)
Kifaru-(Kenyan Universities)
Rwenzori-(Kobs, Warriors, Impis)
