Rugby Premiership: Entebbe Mongers 10-9 Pirates
For the last couple of fixtures, Entebbe based Sadolin Mongers rugby club adjusted from a four to a three man line out strategy.
The formation, according to head coach, Robert Powell and his technical back-up, Ben Kigongo Sebalamu has reaped instant dividends.
On Saturday, Sadolin Mongers registered a slim 10-9 victory over the visiting Pirates at the lake side House of Pain arena in Entebbe.
There was a slight delay to commence the match played on a slippery surface because of the early rains in the day due to the clash of colours of the playing kit.
After falling 6-3 at the half way mark of the opening 40 minutes, Mongers re-energized their efforts with a hard fought try and successful conversion.
Powell, who missed much of the season away with UN duties in Juba spoke to Kawowo Sports about Mongers’ entire season;
It has been a season of mixed results, different tales and varying emotions.
We are glad for this home victory on the last day of the season.
It has been a manifestation that our new line out strategy has worked to perfection
In the second stanza of the game, Mongers fought and earned for that crucial try with a successful Adrian Wasswa conversion to seal the victory on the very last day of the national rugby league.
Coach Ssebalamu was happy for the victory but slammed the entire team for losing out on the overall title.
“We had assembled a great side, one everyone thought was good enough for the championship. Unfortunately, minimal but avoidable mistakes always let us down. This team was good for the league title.” Ssebalamu, who occasionally featured as a coach player added.
He concurred with Powell on the working strategy of the three man line-out which has suited the club best.
Kigongo who lauded Hannington Mukalazi for the exceptional performance all season round noted;
The three man line-out has done wonders. We shall continue to perfect it in training sessions and match situations
Uganda Cup and Sevens Next:
Ssebalamu has however appreciated his charges for the diligent season thus far with a call for more focus and concentration towards the upcoming Uganda Cup and national seven’s events.
“The league is done. I salute all the players for the best effort and energies plus the commitment. We have the Uganda Cup and national sevens. We need to win at least one of these” he vowed.
Bet way Kobs won the 2016 Nile Special Rubgy premiership despite succumbing to Hima Heathens on the last day of the season.
Sadolin Mongers finished a distant 5th behind champions Betway Kobs, Hima Heathens, Pirates and Rhinos.
