Stanbic Black Pirates hijacked at dam waters with second half surge from Hippos

As the 2024 Nile Special Rugby Championship approaches its conclusion at the end of May, a singular team stands as the exception to the formidable Jinja Hippos’ dominance at Damwaters Rugby Club – Heathens. This assertion finds its roots in a noteworthy encounter during the third round in February, where Heathens managed to secure a rare twenty-all draw against the formidable hosts.

In a season where Hippos have proven indomitable, their latest conquest came at the expense of Black Pirates during the first round of the Championship Playoffs Semifinals. Despite Pirates’ initial lead of 24-10 at halftime, Hippos orchestrated a remarkable comeback, clinching victory with a narrow 28-27 margin.

The match, characterized by cautious play and numerous handling errors, still offered glimpses of excitement that electrified the attending fans. While the first half saw visitors Pirates dominate, scoring three tries through Ivan Magomu, Timothy Kisiga, and Paul Bagota, along with conversions and a penalty by Magomu, the hosts managed a lone try, conversion, and penalty by Elvis Opira.

However, the momentum shifted decisively in the second half, with Hippos seizing control. With a total of eighteen points scored and Pirates limited to a single penalty by Magomu, Hippos’ Jacob Ochen and Bright Mukisa crossed the try line, while Opira contributed with a conversion and two penalties.

Mukisa’s pivotal try in the dying moments of the match marked a historic milestone for Hippos, as it secured their first-ever knockout victory against Pirates, solidifying Damwaters Rugby Club’s reputation as a formidable fortress in Ugandan rugby.

With Hippos carrying a narrow one-point lead into the second round at Kings Park – another stronghold in its own right – the stage is set for another intense clash. Meanwhile, the other semifinal between Kobs and Heathens at Legends concluded with a 29-18 victory in favor of the latter.

The upcoming second round of the Championship Playoffs Semifinals is scheduled for next Saturday, May 18, with the following fixtures:
(SF 1) Kyadondo: Heathens vs Kobs
(SF 2) Kings Park: Pirates vs Hippos
All matches are slated to kick off at 4 p.m. local time (EAT), promising another thrilling chapter in the Nile Special Rugby Championship 2024 saga.