Stanbic Black Pirates are champions of the 2023 Nile Special Rugby Premier League, this after they beat Kobs 23-07 in the final game of the season on Saturday at Legends Grounds in Kampala.
The clash was anticipated to be tight as it was a winner takes it all affair because the two sides were joint-leaders of the 10-team league with 75 points apiece prior to the season finale. However, it turned out to be a one-sided show with the Sea Robbers dominating proceedings throughout the game.
Ivan Magomu had a hat-trick of penalties in the first half earning Pirates a 09-00 lead halfway the game.
Joseph Aredo had attempted to earn Kobs points in the first half but his efforts from the boot went wide and the visitors had nothing to show in the first stanza of the game.
Kobs seemed rejuvenated in the opening moments of the second half but that didn’t last long. Pirates’ Alex Aturinda set up Timothy Odongo for the game’s first try after Kobs failed to capitalize on a ruck in their own territory. Magomu’s boot utilized the extras earning his side a 16-00 lead.
With Kobs looking dejected, Conrad Wanyama kicked the ball deep into the home side’s territory and it wasn’t well defended. Desire Ayera chased it down and he scored a try which was later converted by Magomu who was perfect with the kicking.
In the final stages of the game, Karim Arinaitwe scored a consolation try for the home side but it couldn’t change anything. Aredo’s conversion brought the game to its end and Pirates won the game 23-07 to win their second league title and as well finish the second round of the 2023 season unbeaten.
