During the past week there was a lot of confusion in regards to whom, and where, we play, this confusion went on until Saturday. Although we were aware that we were hosting, we still had a bit of confusion on the team to face off.
At Noon, the Kitgum Lions had already arrived and set up camp at the University pitch which was the host to the games. It was at that time that we found out that the Elephants would host the Kitgum Lions and not the Northern Rock, as we had been earlier informed and 3pm was the new time for kick-off. By 2:30pm the Center referee had already arrived but unfortunately due to the high levels of confusion within the Elephants team there were only a handful of players at the field. The referee was understanding and gave us a few minutes to mobilize. We managed to raise 14 men and the game kicked off at 3:20pm. The lions knew the Elephants had missing men and took advantage of this and kept piling pressure on the home team. It was terrible to see the Elephants very disorganized.If they had been playing a more experienced team, we would have lost hands down from kickoff. However, through the tactics of teamwork the home team managed to slot in a first half try by fullback Santos Arnold. It was converted but within a few minutes the Lions replied with a try under the poles. They also converted and it was 7 all by half time. On return from the changing room the Elephants had clear motives for the game and it was to win. They now showed a lot of composure. Adding the substitutions into the mix made the guys lethal against the Lions. In two minutes the Elephants had started to show dominance and most of their time playing was spent in the 22 of the Lions. The Lions defense cracked and let through 4 second half tries. Even though the Lions lost, they are a capable side to triumph.
Highlights of the Game
• Ssekandi Alex spear tackle on a lions player which earned him a sin bin (yellow card).
• Santos Arnold solely side-stepped 5 Lions to score his debut try.
• Mike Otto breaking through a crowd of Lions to set a try under the poles after teasing an oncoming player(from then on the lions were afraid of him)
Our men of the Match
- Mike Otto(Elephants)
- Santos Arnold(Elephants)
- Number 2 from Kitgum Lions-huge guy (his name fell from our reporter’s pocket)
Game two of the day:
Northern Rock hosted Aduku Marines in a drama-filled match. Both teams weren’t so organized in their structure but it was a fair match considering the first half ended without tries being scored. The second half saw the entry of Onen Rogers from the bench with a plan to make some impact. Indeed his might was shown when he created space for the little fullback Victor who dummied 3 marines from the wing and cut his way back landing under the poles. The Rocks failed to convert. In a few minutes the Marines mauled their way to the Rocks try line and landed in the corner. They also failed to convert and the match was tied 5 all. The Rocks played most of game one man down due to an early red card. This didn’t stop them from mounting pressure on the Marines and 5 minutes to the final whistle the Rock managed to get a penalty direct to the poles. They converted with ease, putting them on a 3 point lead until the final whistle. Both teams displayed poor discipline which led to two red cards to the Rocks and several penalties throughout the match.
Highlights of the Game
• Little Victor cutting in on several Marines to secure his try.
• Mzee Onencan’s knock-on under no pressure.
• Red Cards to Victor and Ojok aka “Farmer”
Our men of the match
- Victor(Rocks)- This guy is tiny
- Otuu (Rocks)
- Scrum-half Marines (we don’t know his name…it also fell)
Gulu Rugby Football Club 