Rhinos Rugby Football Club won the inaugural sevens circuit of this year’s national sevens series in Entebbe on Sunday evening.
Rhinos saw off Toyota Buffaloes 17-05 in the men’s main cup final at Entebbe Works Grounds. In the final, Rhinos maintained their invincible streak in Entebbe, scoring three quick tries. Captain Allan Olango scored a brace to cap off a Player of the Tournament performance.
Rhinos’ third try was scored by speedster Arnold Ocen, creating a 17-point margin against the Buffaloes. Although their final win may have appeared smooth, Coach Timothy Bulooti’s side had to dig deep in earlier games.
A seamless pool phase on Saturday began with the dismantling of Impis 24-00 and a 46-00 mauling of the Kisubi Pacers. With qualification to the knockout phases secured, Rhinos achieved the elusive win against Stanbic Black Pirates, beating them 12-10. Their knockout phase started with a 21-00 win over Jinja Hippos, securing a Jinja derby in the semis.
A 19-07 win against the Walukuba Barbarians set up a final against the Buffaloes.
Disappointments in Entebbe
Notable from the weekend was the failure of perennial contenders Pirates, Kobs, and Heathens to reach the semi-finals. Pirates were knocked out by finalists Toyota Buffaloes. As for Kobs, they failed to get the better of Coach Leonard Lubambula’s well-oiled Walukuba machine.
Hosts Mongers secured a top-four finish with a quarterfinal victory over Platinum Credit Heathens. Walukuba beat Mongers in the third-place playoff to finish third.Rhinos’ victory was special considering they regained core status just two years ago.
The second circuit of the Nile Special 7s Series will take place August 17-18 in Mbale City, hosted by the Mbale Elephants at the Mbale Rugby Grounds. Mbale’s core sides in the national series, Elgon Wolves and their female counterparts She Wolves, will be relishing a core status performance at home.
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