Kobs, who went into the game on top of the log and needed to avoid defeat to land the title, were second-best from the first whistle.
Winger Karim Arinaitwe went over for Kobs’ only try of the game, and Josephy Aredo converted, but it was the Stanbic Black Pirates players and fans who wheeled off in celebration.
Kobs waited until the last play of the game to get onto the scoreboard, and referee Sauda Adiru’s final whistle followed Aredo’s conversion to confirm Pirates as the winners of the Nile Special Rugby Premier League at Legends on Saturday.
Kobs, who went into the game on top of the log and needed to avoid defeat to land the title, were second-best from the first whistle.
And Aredo believes the sluggish start cost the team both the game and, in the end, the league title.
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16:48 - 13.05.2023
RUGBY Kobs choke under pressure as Pirates snatch league title
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.
“We had a very bad start, and that continued until the end,” Aredo told Pulse Sports after the game.
“We got some chances in their 22, but we failed to execute, and that’s why the score is the way it is,” he added.
Pirates started with purpose and intent, dominating the collisions and clearing their lines to ensure all the action was in the Kobs’ half.
Ivan Magomu slotted in three first-half penalties to give the visitors a 09-00 lead halfway through the game, while Timothy Odongo and Desire Ayera crossed the white line in the second half.
09:29 - 14.05.2023
RUGBY Marvin Odongo: We wanted it more than anyone
Pirates head coach Marvin Odongo believes it is the fact that his side wanted it more that they ended up landing the title, his first as head coach.
Magomu was perfect from the tee, his three penalties and two conversions helping the Sea Robbers to a commanding 23-07 win.
“We failed to execute whenever we got into their half, we lost the ball, and they capitalized on that,” Aredo revealed.
“It was a very bad game for us.
“We lost many 50-50 calls, some high tackles that the ref didn’t look at yet we were getting forward, and they turned over and maximized on that.
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20:33 - 13.05.2023
RUGBY Ogena ready to go again next season after failing to break 22 try record
The Kobs' loose forward was one try away from breaking club legend Allan Musoke and teammate Justine Kimono's record of 22 tries scored in a season but fell short.
“We’ve been complaining about referees for a while now, but there is little we can do; the best we can do is try to bounce back in the next tournament.
“I’m grateful to the players and the fans, the players have put their bodies on the line, and the fans have pushed us throughout the season.
“Today wasn’t the best game we’ve had this season, but we made sure we played to the best of our abilities, but we fell short.”
Kobs’ misery turned into Pirates’ joy as the Sea Robbers headed back to King’s Park with their second league title.
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