Betway Kobs over the weekend emerged winners of this year’s Guinness Rugby 7s series following the conclusion of the season at Legends Grounds in Kampala.
Kobs who hosted the final circuit finished the season tied with Stanbic Black Pirates on 121 points but the former had a superior overall points difference (52) hence were able to retain the title on those basis. Both sides won three of the six circuits played across the country.
Kobs had to win the Guinness 7s series in the final circuit (Coronation Sevens) of the season after Pirates closed in on them towards the end of the campaign.
Prior to the two-day season finale, Kobs were leading the series with 102 points, just three ahead of second placed Pirates. The two sides met in the final and the latter triumphed with a 07-14 scoreline but they (Pirates) needed a 59-point score margin to claim overall victory hence they only won the circuit as Kobs won the series.
However, in the opening circuit of the series (Mileke 7s) held at Legends Grounds in Kampala, Kobs won the event that they hosted after beating Pirates 21-7 in the finals held in October bagging 22 points as Pirates took 19 for second place finish.
A week later, Kobs would again beat Pirates but this time round 03-00 in the Northern Circuit of the series held in Gulu City.
A week later, Kobs beat Heathens in the final of the Eastern Circuit held in Soroti City. The latter had beaten Pirates in the semifinal.
After a two-week break, Pirates won their first circuit in the beginning in November, an event (Henry Rujumba Sevens) that they hosted at their backyard, Kings Park, Bweyogerere. Pirates beat Heathens 21-19 in the final after beating Kobs 21-14 in the semis. Pirates who accumulated 77 points then were still adrift Kobs by six points.
A week later, Pirates won the Kigezi 7s held in Kabale after beating Kobs 21-05 in the final to narrow the latter’s lead to just three points (99 against 102).
Two weeks later, matters had to be settled in the final circuit at Legends Grounds in Kampala and Kobs won the series while Pirates won their third circuit, a scenario that sparked celebration from both camps.
However, the qualification process for qualified regional teams to attain core status for next season’s series will start on Saturday, 4th December at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala. Draws for this competition will be conducted on Thursday 2nd December.
The following teams will be in action: Central region; Rhinos & Entebbe Jaguars, Eastern; Walukuba Barbarians & Mbale Elephants, Northern; Gulu City Falcons & Lira Bulls, Western; Mbarara Titans & Tooro Lions.
Summary of 2021 Guinness 7s Circuit Winners.
*1st Leg : 2nd & 3rd October. Winners: Kobs
*2nd Leg: 9th October. Winners: Kobs
*3rd Leg: 16th October. Winners: Kobs
*4th Leg: 6th/7th November. Winners: Black Pirates
*5th Leg: 13th November. Winners: Black Pirates
*6th Leg: 27th/28th. Winners: Black Pirates.
