Mutoni Warriors could not complete a rare double over Toyota Buffaloes on Saturday, as the side succumbed to fifth loss in a row at home in the Nile Special Uganda Rugby Premiership.
Warriors lost 17-39 at home to further dent their hopes of remaining in the top flight Premiership having won only twice this season under rugby legend and coach, Herbert Wafula.
The result presents a very different picture though from what transpired at Legends Rugby Grounds as Warriors touched twice in the first half before converting the third in the final half.
One aspect to admire from the side was their passing that depicted coordination and good handling skills the players are grasping from their coaches.
Zeno Othieno their season signing and inspiration Brian Seruyange dived over for the initial try brace but both were not converted, a weakness that continued to haunt Wafula’s charges.
Owen Kinyera later on converted Shadrack Manano’s try in the other half their last score in the intense encounter. Gabriel Aredo received cheers from new rugby cranes coach Johanne Buekes who kept watching with a keen eye in the stands.
Toyota Buffaloes piled pressure like a team that sought revenge and indeed justice came their way having lost the first season encounter, courtesy of man of the match, Alfred Bijik, a double try scorer in the match.
The sun drenched showdown was dominated by Bijik who showcased brilliance in his splitting runs and head on contact with the Warriors’ backline.
And in the middle of the final half, Olet Simon of Buffaloes got yellow and the vistors were down by one man. Thats when warriors broke through to score a try.
The home side passed the ball with passion to secure territory before offloading to Shadrack Manano in the upper right part of the field, Owen Kinyera converting.
Warriors were apparently even with Buffaloes in the line outs but seemed the inferiors in the scrum.
Kevin Keremundu, Pepe, and Onduru scored the other tries for Buffaloes as Solomon Okia kicked through thrice for two penalties and a conversion. Keremundu also converted the extras thrice to finally guide the Kyadondo side to their third Premiership win in a row.
FACTS
Toyota Buffaloes are unbeaten in their last three Premiership games played.
Toyota Buffaloes have now registered two wins out of four away from home.
Mutoni Warriors are yet to win in their last five matches this season.
Warriors have won only two encounters this season out of ten played.
Warriors beat Buffaloes at Kyadondo but failed to complete a double over them at Legends.
In the last four Premiership encounters the duo have met, Buffaloes have won three, Warriors winning once.
Saturday Results
Pirates 08-33 Kobs
Mutoni Warriors 17-39 Toyota Buffaloes
Sadolin Mongers 15-16 Ezee Money Rhinos
Impis 13-47 Heathens