Heathens down Pirates as kobs, Victoria Sharks pick Uganda Rugby Premiership wins

Week 4 of the Uganda Rugby Premiership delivered thrilling contests across both the men’s and women’s leagues, highlighted by a narrow victory for Heathens Rugby Club and a dominant display from KCB Kobs.

Heathens survived a fierce challenge from Pirates Rugby Club to claim a 30-26 victory in a pulsating encounter.

Matthew Musasizi opened the scoring early, splitting the posts for a 3-0 lead. Heathens then struck with a well-worked try as Norbert Okeny released Trevor Ochan to cross over, Musasizi adding the extras for a 10-0 cushion.

Pirates responded, but Heathens extended their advantage to 15-7 when Aaron Ofoyrwoth set free Okeny, who offloaded to Malcolm Okello to finish in the corner. The conversion attempt drifted wide.

Pirates clawed their way back to level matters at 15-14 before halftime. Musasizi, however, kept his composure to slot another penalty, giving Heathens an 18-14 edge at the break.

The second half remained tightly contested. Pirates edged ahead 26-25 as a clever move saw Ofoyrwoth find Julius Opio, who dotted down, with Okello converting for Heathens.

But Heathens had the final say. A sweeping move involving Ofoyrwoth, Okeny, and Julius Oyuk ended with Okeny bursting through to score. Though the conversion missed, it proved enough to seal a dramatic 30-26 win.

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KOBS won Rhinos Rugby Club. Rasuul Abiriga penalty drilled a penalty early on.  Benjie Luyirika powered over for a try, converted by Abiriga, before Karim Arinaitwe and Mark Lukwago added further tries to hand Kobs a 27-7 halftime lead.

The second half saw no let-up. Collin Kimbowa crossed with Abiriga adding the extras, before another converted effort stretched the margin to 39-12. Arinaitwe grabbed his brace, and Aredo Jo sealed the emphatic 46-12 victory with a late try, again converted by Abiriga.

Elsewhere, Victoria Sharks Rugby Club secured a commanding 48-19 win over Warriors Rugby Club. Impis Rugby Club defeated Hippos Rugby Club 36-16, while Mongers Rugby Club claimed a 28-18 victory against Kakira Rugby Club.

Buffaloes Rugby Club edged Walukuba Rugby Club 24-22 in one of the tightest matches of the round.

In the women’s fixtures, Nile Rapids Rugby Club blanked She Wolves Rugby Club 20-0.  Avengers Rugby Club produced a dominant attacking display to thrash Panthers Rugby Club 72-8.

Meanwhile, Thunderbirds Rugby Club edged Black Pearls Rugby Club 25-21 in a tightly fought contest.