Platinum Credit Heathens won the fifth circuit of the Nile Special 7s series after they beat perennial rivals Stanbic Black Pirates 19-12 in the final played on Sunday at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala.
In the men’s final, Malcom Okello ran the show for the hosts, touching down twice as well as slotting home one conversion. Lawrence Ssebuliba scored the other try for Heathens who have now won two circuits in the series having hoisted the Rujumba 7s a few weeks ago at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere.
For Pirates, Stephen Alul and Sydney Gongodyo ran in the tries. Jones Kamiza slotted home one conversion, he was named circuit MVP after a good display throughout the event.
Heading into the Kyadondo event which also known as Kyadondo 7s, Kobs were leading the series with 77 points, three ahead of Pirates who were second on the table while Heathens who hosted the fifth circuit were third with 62 points. However, the table standing has changed.
Pirates who beat Kobs 12-07 in the quarterfinals now return to the top of the table with 93 points. Kobs are second with 89 points with their day-two misery at Kyadondo being compounded by a 19-00 loss to Buffaloes in a placement fixture. Heathens remain third with 84 points.
To get into the finals, Pirates eased past title holders Jinja Hippos condemning them to a 19-00 defeat while Heathens withstood Rhinos in the other semi-finals and secured a 14-10 victory.
Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Avengers beat Pirates’ sister club Black Pearls 15-00 to win the women’s title. Rebecca’s Akello, Sarah Kirabo and Juliet Nandawula ran in the unconverted tries.
However, Black Pearls still lead the women’s division with 102 points, three ahead of second placed Avengers. Thunderbirds who were at home over the weekend have 89 points whilst Nile Rapids are at the bottom of the four-team table with 75 points.
The series will be heading to Tororo for the sixth circuit slated for 19th and 20th August. The finale will be held on 2nd and 3rd September in Jinja.
