Platinum Credit Heathens are the Champions of the 2024 Nile Special Rugby Championship, claiming a historic 17th national title.The Muhammad Athiyo-coached side achieved this feat as they saw off Stanbic Black Pirates in a closely contested final at Kyadondo Rugby Club.
Heathens went into the second half with a comfortable 9-point lead, but a spirited fight from the Pirates saw the game go to the wire, with a full-time score of 15:13.
Pirates drew first blood through the boot of their mercurial talisman Ivan Magomu, who kicked in a 40m penalty. However, the Kyadondo side was not deterred as they dominated the pack, building up to an Emmanuel Byamugisha bundle over the whitewash.The red-hot Malcom Okello made no mistake with the extras, giving Heathens a 4-point cushion at 7:3.The Heathens pack kept up their persistent pressure before captain Michael Wokorach released Joachim Chisano to touch down in the corner. This set up a half-time score of 12:3.
Malcom Okello would then stretch the lead further to twelve points with a well-taken penalty in the second half.However, Pirates weren’t done yet, as two quick tries from speedsters Roy Kizito and Jeremiah Okello mounted pressure on the home side.
A full-time score of 15:13 ensured that Heathens maintained their winning reputation while Pirates go back to the drawing board to hunt for their 3rd league title.
Pirates’ Ivan Magomu was the Man of the Match in the final(Photo By Rugby Agency)
New Championship Format
It should be remembered that the Uganda Rugby Union changed the format of the premiership from the traditional round-robin home and away league to a new exciting championship. With this new development, the 12 teams play each other in a one-legged regular season. Following the completion of the regular season, the top 8 teams qualify for championship playoffs while the bottom four fight in the relegation playoffs. Makerere Graveyard teams Impis and Lifeguard Rams have already confirmed their relegation.On the other hand, Victoria Sharks and Elgon Wolves will be making their maiden appearances in the top flight next season.
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