The top four sides in this year’s National 7s series showed why they deserve to be where they are in the table standings.
At the end of the Kabale 7s, the top 4 sides maintained their positions, but it is the Buffaloes who have taken home the circuit grand prize.
Rising from arguably the tournament’s group of death, the Buffaloes outperformed the Rhinos and KOBs, with the latter crumbling under pressure.
A highly physical encounter in the quarterfinal game against the Hippos left Daniels Otim with a niggle, while Humphrey Ndahura ended up with bandaging on the head.
The Buffaloes then took the semifinal by the scruff of the neck, edging out fellow Kyadondo side, the Heathens, 10-05.
Douglas Musoke, Moses Olweny and Fat Moses Watmon had a Day 2 to remember, playing on the front foot, winning most of the collisions and turning over possession for the Buffaloes. These forwards provided a platform for players like Ronald Ogwang and Aziz Karim to flourish in the backline. Meddi Abdullah also stepped up, proving why he deserves to be Vice Captain.
In the final, the Buffaloes took the lead through a converted try and weathered the Barbarian invasion, only giving away 5 points. In the second half, a converted Shafic Mansur try, off a kick and chase, gave the Barbarians the advantage.
The Barbarians then failed to capitalise on this lead, committing various handling errors, giving away needless penalties, and on two occasions, failing to execute their lineout.
The Buffaloes’ pressure finally paid off after the hooter. Douglas Musoke picked up from the base of the ruck and scored a try typical of a 15s forward powerhouse. This try was converted and finally put the final to bed.
The Buffaloes now head back to Kyadondo, where they shall host the Buffaloes 7s. Two upcountry circuit wins in Gulu and Kabale, plus a final in Entebbe, put the Buffaloes in 2nd place on the National 7s Series log.
If the Buffaloes are to stand a chance at the grand prize, they must win their home circuit and hope the Walukuba Barbarians fumble along the way and finish 6th or lower.