Uganda Rugby Premiership: Impis 14-12 Rams
University side Impis earned a crucial comeback victory against rivals Rams on Saturday thanks to a late miss by the latter’s Kibirige Emmanuel who kicked wide a penalty to deny the visitors at Makerere Rugby Grounds.
Impis came from behind to grab the very important win, their second this season, after Rams dominated the first half closing it down with a 08-12 lead.
Rams Nelson Mandela opened the scores quite early with a timely catch-and-try that came off a chip that had sailed above several Impis men en route to the right corner flag area.
Lumu Richard nailed in the second a few minutes later following a scintillating sprint from the middle to beat two men, eventually touching behind the uprights as Kibirige converted for a commanding lead.
Optimistic Impis fly-half Henry Nsekuye kept his colleagues hungrier and desperate to get onto the score sheet after his two penalties fell short of the sticks and it was Stallone Arinaitwe who posted their first three off a successful penalty.
Replacement Daniel Ortega made his mark when he further cut Rams’ lead after a beautiful run on the right wing mixed with a superb grabber before crashing over for their first try of the game.
Impis replicated their previous shows in the second half that always put them in the driving seat in the final forty, Stallone slotting in two crucial penalties to put hand the home side a 14-12 lead.
Rams could have reclaimed advantage in the final minute thanks to a penalty that was awarded in their favour, but Kibirige missed sending the Impis fans into a frenzy.
FACTS
The 14-12 win was Impis’ second victory in the Premiership this season.
Rams maintained their poor away record losing for the 5th time this season.
Impis have now won two in a row, both at home.
Other Premiership Results
Pirates 32-08 Mongers
Kobs 28-27 Heathens