Pirates Rugby Football Club won the Kyadondo 7s, making it two circuit wins in a row.
The Bweyogerere-based side needed sudden death to see off Platinum Credit Heathens on their turf. Having beaten Heathens in a similar manner in the Mbale 7s last weekend, Pirates came to Kyadondo as pre-tournament favourites.
They were too fast for Kisubi Pacers, dispatching the Entebbe side 53-00 in the pool games. A 57-0 demolition of a free-falling Makerere Impis and a 24-5 win against Warriors ensured they finished top of their group.
In the business end, they withstood a nerve-wracking quarterfinal fixture against Mongers. The ever-reliable Timothy Kisiga scored two tries to beat the Entebbe side 20-12. The win against Mongers secured a semi-final date against their sevens boogey side, Toyota Buffaloes.
However, unlike the surprises in the first circuit in Entebbe, Pirates walked over Buffaloes with a statement 24-0 win. They scored four unanswered tries from speedster Arnold Atukunda, utility forwards Alex Aturinda and Desire Ayera. Haruna Muhammad got the other try as Jones Kamiza perfected his boot with two conversions.
With legendary coach Bobby Musinguzi on the touchline after a lengthy time out, Pirates conceded first in the final. Heathens’ mercurial youngster Malcolm Okello scored under the poles before converting his own try. However, Coach Bobby’s charges responded almost immediately as Timothy Kisiga’s perfectly timed pass set up Jones Kamiza to equalize.
Heathens’ controversial new signing Denis Etwau put them back into the lead, but a Desire Ayera effort sent the clubs to sudden death. In the sudden death, Haruna Muhammad was Pirates’ hero, sending them to the top of the series log.
Kobs captain Ian Munyani was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. This followed a tournament where Kobs showed what they are capable of, having named a rather experienced squad compared to past tournaments.
The Nile Special Sevens series takes a two-week break and will resume in Gulu City on September 7-8.
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