Heathens handed new coach Robert Seguya a perfect welcome on Saturday with a crucial 24-0 Rugby Premiership win over Makerere Impis at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on Saturday 28 November 2015.
The defending champions brushed off a pre-season loss to Kabras Sugar, requiring four tries and two conversions to thump Impis who neither touched nor kicked through despite the former’s frequent errors in the maul and open play.
Heathens were in control of the match from the start and surprise exclusions from the starting line up, Phillip Wokorach, Asuman Mugerwa and Micheal Wokorach did not deter the side from impressing.
Seguya opted for pre-season sensation Aaron Ofwoirwoth, Eddie Kayima, Alex Mubiru, Romano Ogwal, Evans Kingasia plus Dennis Mugambe among others.
Off two unconverted tries in the first half one masterminded by Eddie Kayima, from a maul in Impis’ 22 metres, Impis attempted a comeback through Ssenabulya but fell short with terrible handling.
Heathens should have been 14-nil up by half time but Aaron and Rice failed to drive the ball through the sticks, squandering vital conversion points.
Second half saw Asuman Mugerwa, Micheal and Phillip Wokorach take to the pitch and just after a couple of minutes, Micheal beat three Impis men to touch easily, Phillip converting.
Alex Mubiru extended the scores following the entry of replacement Chris Opa as he crushed over thanks to perfect maul movement . Phillip again took control of the extras.
In the absence of Henry Nsekuye, Impis’ Stallone Arinaitwe took charge of the kicks for the University side and missed all the three, an undeniable ‘bad day in office’.
With barely any voice on the touchline, the visitors chased Chariots throughout, Robert Masendi and Puis Ogena ensuring their downfall.
Two missed conversions in the second half could have widened the score-gap but the home side’s flaws kept a decent one.
FACTS
Heathens are still unbeaten in the Premiership against Impis since 2014.
Impis are yet to beat Heathens since promotion from the lower tier league.
In their last three Premiership meetings, Buffaloes have now won two in a row, Warriors triumphants in the opener 03-08 last season.
It was Pirates first Premiership win against Rhinos in two years after losing the opener last season, before settling for an 18-18 stalemate.
Rugby Premiership Results Day one
Gulu Elephants 50-10 Kobs – Gulu
Sadolin Mongers 14-12 Rams – Entebbe
Toyota Buffaloes 18-3 Warriors – Kyandodo
Hiima Heathens 24-0 Makerere Impis – Kyadondo
Ezze Money Rhinos 13-22 Black Pirates – Legends
Courtesy of Edgar Kazibwe/Kawowo Sports