Kobs choke under pressure as Pirates snatch league title

Pirates were crowned champions of the Nile Special Rugby Premier League at Legends on Saturday

RUGBY Kobs choke under pressure as Pirates snatch league title

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 16:48 - 13.05.2023

The title decider between Kobs and Stanbic Black Pirates was expected to be a tightly contested one but turned out one-sided as the Sea Robbers cruised to the second Nile Special Rugby League title.

Marvin Odongo's charges punched the men in blue 23-07 to win the title decider at Legends and lift the title.

It was a dominant performance from the Pirates, and Kobs barely put up a fight. There was an early opportunity for Pirates after Kobs were penalised for a high tackle.

Ivan Magomu called for the corn and split the uprights for the game's first points to give the visitors a 03-00 lead.

With most of the action in the Kobs half, Pirates had Kobs where they wanted them.

Emmanuel Ecodu was called for offside, and the Sea Robbers pounced, another Magomu penalty making it 06-00.

Magomu continued to punish Kobs' mistakes, and his third penalty had the visitor in a 09-00 lead.

Joseph Aredo's first attempt from the corn went just wide midway through the first half.

Marvin Odongo's charges dominated took a deserved 9-0 advantage into the halftime break and were 40 minutes away from lifting the title.

Brian Makalama and his charges required significant improvement to get back into the game after a horror show in the first 40 minutes.

The second half started with Kobs on the front foot. Ian Munyani's kick found touch deep in the Pirates' half but from a well-executed lineout, Collins Kimbowa.

Kobs failed to secure a ruck deep in their half, and Alex Aturinda sliced through to set up the game's first try.

The Pirates line offloaded to find Timothy Odongo on the wing, and the winger went over.

Magomu converted, and the Pirates were in dreamland, leading 16-00 on enemy territory with time running out. Desire Ayera's try painted a clear picture of Kobs' struggles.

No one in blue chased Conrad Wanyama's kick, and Ayera followed the ball to touch down and hand Pirates a 23-00 lead.

Karim Arinaitwe's late try turned out to be a mere consolation as the Sea Robbers ran off in celebration after Aredo's conversion.

Referee Sauda Adiru's final whistle met with a celebration for the Sea Robbers. The loss sent Kobs from the top of the table to number three.

Nile Special Rugby Premier League

Saturday result: Kobs 06-23 Pirates

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