Schools Rugby: Smack 13-13 Namilyango
In the last few years, schools like Hanah Mixed and Kololo SS have come up to shake the dominance of traditional schools in Schools rugby.
But, despite that, you cannot tell a schools’ league story without dominating it with the Smack-Namilyango friendly fire.
And, as the group stages of the 2017 schools’ league came to an end on Sunday, one could not help but keep their eyes glued to the Smack-Namilyango game at Smack.
The first meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-all draw at Namilyango College and the Weevils, as Smackists are referred to by their arch rivals, had the home pitch to defend.
It doesn’t matter where this fixture is played, there is pride at stake and players of the two sides leave everything on the pitch.
With the return leg carrying heavier meaning than before, no side was expected to go down without a fight.
Namilyango topped the group, SMACK were second with Kololo SS breathing down their neck in third. A draw was enough for Namilyango to progress even if Kololo shattered Turkish Academy but for Smack, it was either win or go home, and they didn’t win.
The build up for the U-19 fixture was every bit mouthwatering with the home side getting the first laugh through a 05-03 win over their rivals in the U-15 category.
The visitors then recovered their voices later on with their U-17 side cruising to a 26-00 win over the hosts.
Each side had one game in the bag and there was another left to fight for, and it was the reason most parents and old boys of the two schools made the long trip to Kisubi.
Namilyango drew first blood with Hillary Kisitu’s drop goal silencing the home crowd after 13 minute. Francis Ochaka then converted a penalty to level matters and cheer up the hosts’ fans.
Emmanuel Elipili then crossed the white chalk for the visitors and Kisitu added the extras to give Namilyango a 7-point cushion (03-10).
Kevin Balagadde, who had been held up a couple of times, finally found the breakthrough to score Smack’s first try and invite the fans into celebrations. The two sides went for a breather with the record champions leading 10-08.
Smack got their second try of the day from Alendro Godwill but Ochaka couldn’t find his kicking boot.
The hosts were then punished for not rolling away after a tackle and from the resultant penalty, Kisitu fell short.
Namilyango were awarded another penalty deep in the Smack half and this time round, Kisitu put the ball through the uprights to level the scores at 13-all.
With elimination looming, the hosts pushed for the killer punch but all in vain as the Ngonians held on to progress to the semifinals.
Namilyango will now take on Makerere College in the semis while Kololo SS play Kings College Buddo.