Heathens RFC defeated Buffaloes 12-7 to win the Lawii Rwodi 7s after a lacklustre show on Day 1.
In their first match of the tournament, the Heathens drew with the Hippos 14 points apiece, before struggling against the Mongers, with the match going down to the wire. As Heathens’ second game looked like it was going to end in another draw, Brian Songoi Simuyu jumped on as a substitute and scored the winning try of the game to give Heathens a breather.
In the last pool game, Walukuba Barbarians came out guns blazing with a try by Matthew Olukua against Heathens. With the score at 7-0 in Walukuba’s favour at half-time, the Heathens had to change their approach in the second half. Daniel Otema, who was the eventual MVP of the tournament, opened the scoring with an incredible try, while mid-season transfer Gift Lukyamuzi added 9 more points for Heathens to win 14-7.
On Day 2, the Heathens finally got into their groove, easing past the Kampani Eagles 36-0 in the quarterfinal, followed by a 24-5 win in the semifinal against the Mongers. These two comfortable victories sent Heathens to the final and set up an exciting Kyadondo Derby finale with the Buffaloes.
Just like the Heathens had done for most of the Gulu 7s weekend, they once again found themselves trailing 7-0 at half-time, thanks to the big carry of Douglas Musoke, and the great support line run by Yasin Waiswa to receive the offload from the big man to score Buffaloes’ first and only try of the game. Unfortunately, poor discipline let down the Buffaloes as Godfrey Ayebale was sent to the sin bin, leaving his team shorthanded.
On the other hand, the Heathens remained patient and disciplined in defence, and that soon paid off. Off a line-out, Ivan Odhiambo made an absolute mess of a long pass from Musoke, with the pressing Heathens defence line taking advantage of the loose pieces. Walter Otim could not be stopped as he went over the try line, with Lukyamuzi adding the conversion.
While the match looked like it was going into sudden death, Daniel Otema took matters into his hands, scoring the decisive try. The conversion attempt from Lukyamuzi wasn’t successful, but the Heathens stayed calm to finish the 14 minutes with the lead. Unlike the players, the fans couldn’t hold in their excitement as they invaded the pitch to celebrate their team’s Lawii Rwodi 7s victory.