Nile Special Rugby Premier League
Saturday Results
*Impis 23-21 Rams
*Heathens 36-06 Rhinos
*Pirates 22-09 Buffaloes
*Kobs 33-15 Hippos
*Walukuba 25-27 Mongers
After matchday four, Stanbic Black Pirates and Impis are the only two teams yet to lose a game in the 2023 Nile Special Rugby Premier League.
Pirates beat Buffaloes 22-09 at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere whilst Impis beat Rams 23-21 to win the Makerere derby at the Graveyard.
Pirates tries were ran in by; Timothy Odong, Timothy Kisiga and William Nkore. Ivan Magomu made two conversions as well slotting in one penalty. Alema Ruhweza was however named man of the match for his dominant display.
Pirates lead the table with 18 points, two ahead of Impis and Kobs who both have 16 points. Kobs beat Hippos 33 – 15 at Legends Grounds in Kampala and the Jinja based side is seventh on the table with five points.
The game at the Graveyard however had more hype in the build up and was also televised. The crowd pulling encounter pitted perfect Impis against a Rams side yet to secure maximum points.
It was a close contest and by 20 minutes, the score was 8-8 courtesy of a try and a penalty for each side. Joseph Ayuma’s try and Hossana Opilleni penalty ensured that Rams caught up with their ‘land lords’ who had put their strong foot forward earlier in the game.
Ivan Otai would later touch down for Impis with Henry Nsekuye utilizing the extras. Hossana’s penalty after that would narrow down Impis lead as the two sides went into halftime with the former leading 15-11.
Pius Mpoza got a try fro Impis moments into the second half to set the fanzone ablaze but Rams couldn’t throw in the towel.
Michael Kalyango’s conversion in a tight angle reduced Impis lead to just two points (20-18) with Rams now breathing on their necks.
However, at full time, the margin would later stay the same after both teams utilized their penalties.
Rams are eighth on the table with four points and are in search for their maiden win of the season.
At Kyadondo, Title holders Platinum Credit Heathens beat Rhinos 36-06 to maintain their winning run. The former are fourth on the table with 15 points while the latter are second last (ninth) on the table with two points.
In Jinja, Plascon Mongers survived an upset from Walukuba Barbarians, managing a slim 25-27 away from home. The Entebbe based side are sixth on the table with nine points while the Walukuba are at the rock bottom with one point.
