Event: Guinness 7s, Eastern Circuit
Date: 16th October 2021
Hosts: Soroti Rangers RFC
Venue: Soroti Stadium
In the past two circuits of the Guinness 7s, Stanbic Black Pirates have been subjected to a bridesmaid role by arch rivals Betway Kobs who are also defending champions of the National Rugby Sevens Series.
Kobs beat Pirates 21-17 in the finals of the opening circuit (Mileke 7s) held in Kampala in the beginning of this month. Kobs again ‘stung’ Pirates 3-0 in the finals of the second circuit (Northern Circuit) of the series held last weekend in Gulu City.
Ahead of the Eastern Circuit of the Guinness 7s slated for Saturday, 16th October that will be held at Soroti Stadium in Soroti City and hosted by local outfit Soroti Rangers RFC, Kobs lead the series with 44 points, six ahead of second placed Pirates.
With Kobs yet to lose a game including not conceding a try last time out, the ball is in Pirates’ hands to tame Kobs who could get out of sight should they triumph in Soroti.
“I believe we shall be third time lucky in Soroti,” Pirates Captain Ivan Magomu told Kawowo Sports after the Gulu event adding that; “we have to show what we got and give options to the Coach. The score margins keep getting lower and hopefully this weekend we shall work on our mistakes and I honestly believe we shall be third time lucky.”
Magomu adds that they need to utilize the set pieces in order to triumph in the East and make executions where need be.
“Kobs managed to execute where need be as we gave away our set pieces. We failed to secure our ball but we will go at at again this weekend,” Magomu said adding that both sides (Pirates and Kobs) are good in their own ways.
Pirates are seeded in Pool A alongside circuit hosts Soroti Rangers, Impis and Warriors.
Kobs are seeded in Pool A alongside a tricky Jinja Hippos side. Mongers and Sailors are in the same group.
Pool C has Kyadondo Rugby Club based sides Heathens and Buffaloes. Rams are in the same group whilst Walukuba Barbarians who are the invited side to the circuit are also in the same group.
After the Eastern Circuit, the six round series will take a one weekend break. After the break, the fourth circuit (Rujumba 7s) will be played in the weekend of 30th and 31st October at Kings Park, Bweyogerere. It will be hosted by Black Pirates.
Guinness 7s Eastern Circuit Pools
A: Kobs, Jinja Hippos, Mongers & Sailors
B: Black Pirates, Warriors, Impis & Soroti Rangers
C: Heathens, Buffaloes, Rams & Walukuba Barbarians
Guinness 7s – 2021 schedule.
*1st Leg : 2nd & 3rd October. Warriors/Legends (Central Circuit). Winners: Kobs
*2nd Leg: 9th October. Gulu Elephants/Gulu grounds (Northern Circuit). Winners: Kobs
*3rd Leg: 16th October. Soroti. Rangers/ Soroti Stadium (Eastern Circuit)
*4th Leg: 30th&31st October. Black pirates/ King’s Park (Central Circuit)
*5th Leg: 6th November. Rams RFC/ Kabale Stadium (Western Circuit)
*6th Leg: 13th&14th November. BSO/Legends (Central Circuit).
