- Heathens 15-12 Kobs
Heathens ascended to the summit of the National Rugby Premiership after a strong second half performance saw them come from 12-00 down to beat rivals Kobs, 15-12.
The Friday clash at Kyadondo was almost a script from the Uganda Cup semifinal a month ago as kickers were inefficient again. The heavyweights exchanged penalties early but Ivan Kirabo and Robert Masendi fluffed their kicks.
However, Kobs who were on the front foot for majority of the first half went ahead through Ronald Musajja, and Kirabo’s conversion went way wide.
Heathens went on the attack, trapping Kobs into offside and were awarded a penalty. Robert Masendi missed again.
Kobs forwards got into action, putting together a few picks and drives. Robert Aziku knocked on at the try line but Kobs broke the line again through the lock who released Justin Kimono as the visitors went wide to Joseph Aredo and Faraj Odugo towards the line. Paul Epilo brought down Odugo about five meters out, and Davis Kiwalabye collected from the ruck to set up Aziku for the second try of the day. Kirabo converted taking the lead to 12-00.
After the break, it was all Heathens with Kobs bared crossing into their opponent’s territory.
It was not long after the break before Alex Mubiru crossed. Robert Masendi set up Santos Senteza for a line break but the big man was brought down. Epilo collected, releasing to Paul Masendi who threaded a long pass to Kevin Kermundu and the former Buffaloes star set up Mubiru to ground for Heathens at the corner. Kermundu converted to bring the hosts to within a try.
With the kicking duties surrendered to Kermundu, he kicked through a penalty to reduce Heathens deficit to just 2 points, 10-12.
The Heathens kept pushing Kobs and with about 8 minutes to play, man of the match Michael Wokorach who was celebrating ten years at the club got over the try line for lead.
Kobs tried to salvage something from the game, but a late attempted drop goal from substitute Donald Oketayot went wide.
Victory elevated Heathens to top spot on the table with four straight wins to start the season.