Heathens RFC defeated eternal rivals KOBs 29-18 in the first leg of the Nile Special Rugby Championship semifinal played at Legends Rugby Ground on Saturday.
Utility back Malcom Okello was the star of the show as his 15 points off the tee before his team’s two tries which he also converted spurred Heatheans to the victory that put them close to the finals.
Joseph Aredo missed the first points opportunity from point-blank range in the 3rd minute of the game while on the other end, Okello put Heathens on the board.
KOBs were forced into an early substitution with Josiah Ssempeke coming on for Cornrad Mukwaya who was injured by Charles Uhuru in clearing him off the ruck. Sempeke took over the kicking duties converting a penalty before Okello restored heathens lead that they took into the break after a cagey half from both sides.
After recess, KOBs made changes to their second row with Mike Otto coming on for Robert Aziku who played the first half with a strapped arm before Heathens were temporarily reduced to 14 men with Morgan Odoch sent to the sinners.
Malcom extended the lead to 9-3 before Heathens made a change that completely turned the tide of the game. Simon Olet paved the way for Tony Okello and the utility forward was a thorn in KOBs flesh as he broke the line that led to Heathens’ opening try scored at the corner by Michael Wokorach.
Sempeke converted another penalty but it was Heathens with the momentum and they started playing a little bit expansive which led to Incocent Goktho’s try.
With the deficit so big (29-6), KOBs started calling for the tee but Sempeke would miss two in succession before forwards went to work again, camping in Heathens’ territory and coming away with Otto’s five-pointer that was converted.
KOBs’ hunt went on putting together several phases as time waned and came away with a captains’ try from Derrick Tukwasibwe on the final play but Sempeke missed the conversion.
KOBs have a steep mountain to climb at Kyandondo next weekend in the return leg.
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