Heathens rugby 7s team whipped rivals Toyota Buffaloes 36-10 to win the opening circuit of the National 7s tournament at Makerere Grave Yard Ground on Saturday.
Heathens started of the knock-out stages on a strong note smashing Mutoni Warriors 31-10 in the quarter finals and later traditional rivals Kobs 12-10 in the semi-final.
Kobs team captain James Ijongat accepted defeat but vowed to fight back in the next circuit in Jinja at the Dam Waters grounds.
“We lacked patience and our boys were unfit, something we are going to work on,” Ijongat stated.
Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka told New Vision that despite a 36-10 win; his side conceded many tries in the tournament which is a threat and a sign of lack of fitness of the team.
“The tournament was tough and I am happy we won, but I’m not impressed with the boys’ performance because they conceded a lot of tries,” Tabaruka stated.
“I’m sure it is going to be tougher in Jinja next Saturday and we have to work on our fitness, basics and sevens skills which were much wanting,” Tabaruka added.
Lawrence Ssebuliba managed 2 tries, Brian Kikawa, Allan Otim and Allan Omoding added a try each for Heathens in the final.
Tabaruka further urged the national rugby governing body (URU) to focus much on the Jinja Hippos team which defeated Mutoni Warriors 21-19 in the plate final.
“This was the most exciting team with many potential players for the future and the national selection committee should consider most of these players on the national junior teams,” Tabaruka, who is also the Rugby Cranes team manager, said.
The tournament moves to Jinja on Saturday, then Kyadondo and the final at Legends Rugby Ground.
Heathens, Pirates, Makerere Impis, Sadolin Mongers, Ezee Money Rhinos, Kobs, UCU, Mbale Elephants, Gulu Elephants, Lira Bulls, Jinja Hippos, Mutoni Warriors and defending champions Buffaloes are teams that participated.
Main Cup final
Heathens 36 Buffaloes 10
Plate final:
Mutoni Warriors 19 Jinja Hippos 21
Main Cup Semi-final:
Kobs 10 Heathens 12
Buffaloes 33 Impis 0
By Johnson Were, The New Vision