Nile Special 7s
First leg (Wakiso 7s)
Main cup final
*Stanbic Black Pirates 15-00 Impis
Stanbic Black Pirates beat Makerere Impis 15-00 in the main cup final of the opening circuit of the Nile Special 7s on Sunday at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere in Wakiso District to get off the mark in the 2022 season.
A pair of tries from Sydney Gongodio and another from Arnold Atukunda helped the sea robbers sail to glory in the season opener at their own backyard. Their efforts were however unconverted.
The two-day circuit, dubbed Wakiso 7s saw Pirates who were the home side (but not circuit hosts) win all their matches as they seek to claim this year’s title having finished as runners up last season.
After a good outing at the group stage level on Saturday, Pirates were seeded against Heathens in the main cup quarter finals.
At full time, the two sides were tied 05-05 and the score was the same even after extra time. Pirates went through by virtue of points difference and at this stage they had passed their biggest test in the circuit.
In the semifinals, albeit resilience from Buffaloes, Pirates who were fully backed by the home crowd job the job done with a 14-10 triumph and walked past Impis in the finals.
To reach the semis, Buffaloes stunned title holders Kobs in the quarters, handing them a 05-15 defeat which was a major set back to their title defence. Buffaloes star Aaron Tukei was named circuit MVP.
Meanwhile, to make it to the main cup finals, Impis beat fellow Makerere University based side Rams 17-12. The opening circuit had the two sides post one of their most impressive finishes in the Sevens Series.
Pirates currently lead the Nile Special 7s table with 22 points, second placed Impis have 19 and Rams who cap the opening circuit podium have 17.
Buffaloes are fourth with 15,.points fifth placed Hippos have 13, sixth placed Heathens have 12 points whilst seventh and eighth placed Warriors and Kobs have 10 points apiece.
The Nile Special 7s will head to Entebbe this weekend. The draws for the event were held on Sunday after the conclusion of the opening circuit.
Five more legs will be played later after a one week break after the conclusions of Entebbe event. Arua, kings Park, Fort Portal, Jinja and Kyadondo will host the other circuits.
