It has got to be the match of the championship. At least thus far.
Rhinos came to Kings Park for the second round of the playoffs quarterfinals against Pirates with a three-point deficit. They had lost the first round at home 10-07. But in an incredible turn of events, by half-time, they were leading 21-00 and firmly in the driving seat. Then Black Pirates pulled off a miraculous comeback in the second half to win 30-27 (40-34 on aggregate).
Pirates were on the back foot for close to five minutes in the last play as Rhinos threw the kitchen sink at them. They eventually succeeded after the ball was lost forward by Rhinos on the try line.
The Sea Robbers had no right to claim victory given how unplayable Rhinos were on Saturday. But they defended home ground and lived to die another day.
Mind blowing is an understatement when describing how this match went.
Big tackles, clean breaks, and beautiful tries… End-to-end sequences, nail-biting moments, and fine margins… this match had it all.
It is the match of the championship. It has got to be.
Every round from the start of the season had a match that left fans satisfied and reminiscing. The first three which come to my mind are Kobs vs Buffaloes (FT: 19-19) in round five, Walukuba vs Heathens (FT: 17-21) in round six, and Rams vs Warriors (FT: 23-17) in round eleven. But one can make a compelling case for any other match and they would be right.
That entertainment and drama in the regular season has built up to a remarkable playoffs.
The quarterfinals have now concluded successfully after two home-and-away rounds.
Nile Special Rugby Men’s Championship – Full Quarterfinal Results:
KOBs 51-16 Mongers (Agg. 68-29)
Heathens 28-16 Walukuba (Agg. 53-16)
Buffaloes 12-05 Hippos (Agg. 33-45)
Pirates 30-27 Rhinos (Agg. 40-34)
Despite Hippos’ loss to Buffaloes at Kyadondo in the second round, all the top four seeded teams were victorious on aggregate score from both rounds.
They have booked their tickets to the semifinals which will also be played over two rounds starting this weekend.
Nile Special Rugby Championship Semifinals:
SF 1: KOBs vs Heathens
SF 2: Hippos vs Pirates
As Ugandans like to say in such situations, everyone should tie themselves two. Because it is clear that the Nile Special Rugby Championship is still serving.
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