Fans could not hold back the wild celebrations on Saturday evening after home side Impis held on, to earn their first rugby premiership victory against Ezee Money Rhinos.
The duo came into this sun drenched super weekend encounter on contrasting records and the result changed everything thereafter. University side Impis were languishing at the bottom of the table with no win in three matches since crumbling 68-nil against Kobs, succumbing to a 15-46 loss to Buffaloes and 62-00 to Heathens.
Rhinos came on the back of three wins and the match at Makerere Rugby grounds went down as one that could be remembered to have dented their unbeaten hope this season.
Impis broke the deadlock through Henry Nsekuye’s penalty to rack up a handy 03-00 advantage despite having been denied a try for infringement.
Rhinos again suffered errors of handling at the left flank as their runs got often halted with sensational tackles. They seemed superior in counter attack but this did not pay off in the first half.
Impis’ Summar Akandinda kicked through the uprights to further spur the originally win-less side and they came just so close with an ebullient run only for Byron Atubikire to intervene in Rhinos half.
It did not take long for Rhinos to turn rampant as their coach John Musoke often sent out wake-up commands to the outfit. Ivan Makmot kicked a very crucial penalty slightly wide of the left upright as the team continued with several waves of attack.
Impis defense remained extremely solid and impenetrable in the whole of the second half until captain Gordon Chonga’s try and Makmot’s good conversion in the final minutes.
Man of the match Henry Nsekuye missed a penalty before Gordon’s try but crashed over for an awesome try followed by his good conversion.Nsekuye was thankful in his post-match interview.
I thank my teammates and fans for today’s support.
Elsewhere, Toyota Buffaloes continued to face the rough waters at kyadondo as Pirates beat them 07-12 to also emerge victorious for the first time in the premiership.
Dennis Etuket and Edmond Tumusiime made it to the score sheet with a try and conversion respectively as Dan Canowira of Pirates put up man of the match performance.
[©Kawowo Sports / AISHA NAKATO ==> Action from Mongers vs Heathens]
In the match of the weekend in Entebbe, Sadolin Mongers drew 10-10 with Heathens. Monger’s new recruit Simon Wakabi performed to expectation as the home side proceeded to give last season’s runners up visitors treat. The second half had all points scored after a pointless first half.
Kobs beat Mutoni Warriors at Legends Rugby grounds 05-32, to revive hopes of winning the premiership again as the side climbed up the table.
Amolo Junior was man of the match as the defending champions walked away with their third victory in four.
FACTS
Heathens remain unbeaten after drawing with Sadolin Mongers.
Heathens remain top of the premiership table.
Kobs and Ezee Money Rhinos have lost one match each in the four each has played so far.
Toyota Buffaloes, Impis and Pirates have emerged match winners once and have lost three matches each.
SATURDAY RESULTS:
Toyota Buffaloes 7-12 Pirates
Sadolin Mongers 10-10 Heathens
Mutoni Warriors 05-32 Kobs
Impis 13-07 Ezee Money Rhinos