Day 1 of the Coronation 7s saved the best for last. With the sun retreating, the Heathens and Walukuba Barbarians ran onto the pitch to play the final game of the day.
A first-half try by the Barbarians had almost set the pace for the game, until Marvin Asaba of the Heathens was heaped into touch in what looked like dangerous play. A scuffle soon ensued, but the centre ref,eree Reuben Opeesa, let play continue without dishing out any cards.
The centre referee’s patience soon ran out and Ivan Bulima was the first guest in the sin bin.
With the score at 05-00 for the Barbarians, a kick in behind the Heathens’ defence was regathered by the Barbarians, but a Julius Oyuk high tackle in the 5-meter zone led to a penalty try. and a yellow card for Oyuk.
The Barbarians kept playing their signature expansive and running game and it soon paid dividends. An unconverted try in the corner for the Walukuba boys extended their lead to 17-00, but the drama wasn’t done yet.
In what looked like leading with the forearm, newly introduced Heathens speedster Daniel Otema, got away with a few shoves from the opponents, but wasn’t so lucky when he high tackled a Barbarian, receiving a yellow card.
Soon after, Ivan Bulima was once again on the wrong side of the law with a late tackle on a Heathens player. He received his second yellow of the game but wasn’t immediately sanctioned. This red card means he is now out for the rest of the Coronation 7s.
After the second half hooter had gone. The Heathens got a consolation try through Sulaiman Ngoobi, but the ‘handshakes’ were not yet done. The try scorer got bundled into the billboards centuries after he had dotted down, leading to the final scuffle of the game.
A conversion by Dennis Etwau brought the final score to 17:07 for the Barbarians.
Quarterfinals
- Walukuba vs Mongers
- Rhinos vs Victoria Sharks
- KOBs vs Heathens
- Black Pirates vs Buffaloes