Hima Heathens were crowned 2014/2015 Nile Special Uganda Rugby Premiership Champions after their hard earned win against Toyota Buffaloes on Saturday.
Heathens defeated Buffaloes 15-12 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds to claim the accolades unbeaten in their last 9 matches of the Premiership.
The victory, a perfect send-off for Brian Tabaruka, their coach was their 12th win of the season, having only lost to Ezee Money Rhinos plus a 10-10 draw against Sadolin Mongers.
Heathens grabbed the lead in the season ender early just after kickoff, a penalty Chris Lubanga kicked through following infringement during an onslaught close to Buffaloes 22.
Heathens defeated Buffaloes 15-12 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds to claim the accolades unbeaten in their last 9 matches of the Premiership.
The victory, a perfect send-off for Brian Tabaruka, their coach was their 12th win of the season, having only lost to Ezee Money Rhinos plus a 10-10 draw against Sadolin Mongers.
Heathens grabbed the lead in the season ender early just after kickoff, a penalty Chris Lubanga kicked through following infringement during an onslaught close to Buffaloes 22.
The lead did not last long as Buffaloes replied off Chris Lubanga’s clearance in the Heathens half for an early try whose conversion Solomon Okia missed.
Heathens party mood got further complicated as Pius Ogena touched for the rampant visitors. Their kicking cost them as usual, Solomon Okia missing the conversion again.
Anticipated caretaker Robert Seguya could be heard as he voiced commands from the stands before his side responded with Eddie Kayima’s try, Lubanga converting the extras.
Heathens were trailing 10-12 closer to the break when Gamma Faisal crossed the try line to crash over. His try was however cancelled as the referee claimed there had been an infringement before.
Solomon Okia missed a penalty for Buffaloes later on in the second half before Eddie Kayima touched again at the left corner flag to hand Heathens the lead in the second half.
Chris Lubanga failed to convert but the 15-12 score was just sufficient enough for the home side to close out the season in style.
According to reports, there was a misunderstanding between referees and Uganda Rugby Union chairman Andrew Owor with the officials aggressively stating their grievancies of no pay for a while.
Referee boss Dennis Odongkara told Andrew Owor to pay them (referees) or else they will not officiate any other match ahead of the rugby series.
Elsewhere Impis RFC were relegated to the championship following their 29-25 loss to Pirates at Legends Rugby Grounds. Impis required victory coupled with a Sadolin Mongers’ win over Mutoni Warriors.
Warriors lost 14-12 in Entebbe, a margin of 2 points but got one bonus point to finish one clear of Impis who also got a bonus point despite their loss.
FACTS
Heathens completed the season unbeaten at home.
Heathens completed a double over rivals Kobs to revenge last season’s double loss.
Heathens won all their last nine games of this season finishing top of the rugby Premiership.
Toyota Buffaloes lost their last two Premiership games after their memorable win against defending champions Kobs.
Buffaloes finished with 7 Premiership wins in 14 games played this season.
Saturday Results
Pirates 29-25 Impis
Ezee Money Rhinos 11-29 Kobs
Hima Heathens 15-12 Toyota Buffaloes
Sadolin Mongers 14-12 Mutoni Warriors
FACTS
Heathens completed the season unbeaten at home.
Heathens completed a double over rivals Kobs to revenge last season’s double loss.
Heathens won all their last nine games of this season finishing top of the rugby Premiership.
Toyota Buffaloes lost their last two Premiership games after their memorable win against defending champions Kobs.
Buffaloes finished with 7 Premiership wins in 14 games played this season.
Saturday Results
Pirates 29-25 Impis
Ezee Money Rhinos 11-29 Kobs
Hima Heathens 15-12 Toyota Buffaloes
Sadolin Mongers 14-12 Mutoni Warriors
