The Nile Special Rugby Premiership 2018/19 first round climaxed last weekend with Hippos turning out party spoilers after stunning Buffaloes 19-16 victory at Damwaters grounds in Jinja to claim their third straight victory. Albeit teams showing improvement, MRI Rams and Walukuba Barbarians remain the only two sides with only one win after nine games. Rams picked their only win on the road against Walukuba, who later won the first edition of the Jinja derby against Hippos to get off the mark in the top tier. Rams and Walukuba both have five points though the Kampala MRI Center-sponsored side has conceded less. Eighth placed Hippos who have come of age have 14 points hence Rams or Walukuba need to win at least two straight games with bonus points in order to stay afloat – a very hectic job for both sides. As it stands, the relegation battle is between Rams and Walukuba. Being league debutantes, Walukuba are still underdogs even in the relegation battle. There winnable second round fixtures against Rams and Hippos are all on the road. To make matters worse, they visit ruthless Stanbic Black Pirates this Saturday at Kings Park Bweyogerere. For Rams, they have been in the top tier for long and have witnessed the relegation before –including last season. Their most favorable round two fixtures against Walukuba and Hippos are all at home. With Mongers losing easy fixtures of late, Rams will also be hoping for an absolution when they travel to Entebbe this Saturday for their round two opening fixture.
