Red-hot Hippos crush Heathens in historic win
The reigning champions slumped to their second consecutive loss of the season in what was one of the most highly anticipated Uganda Rugby League matches of the day.
Jinja Hippos players celebrated at the scoreboard after they stunned defending champions Heathens at Dam Waters playground. (Photo by Bruno Mugooda)
Bruno Mugooda
Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda Rugby League
Jinja Hippos 38 Heathens 22
Walukuba Barbarians 41 Warriors 11
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Heathens' away supporters may want to forget their trip to Jinja after their team suffered a 38-22 defeat to an in-form Jinja Hippos side at Dam Waters Playground.
The reigning champions slumped to their second consecutive loss of the season in what was one of the most highly anticipated Uganda Rugby League matches of the day.
Despite the final scoreline, Heathens initially took the lead when Yassin Wasswa converted a penalty in the second minute. The visitors responded swiftly, with former Hippos player Dennis Etwau crossing the line for a try three minutes later, giving Heathens an 8-3 advantage after Wasswa missed a penalty.
However, a tactical adjustment from the Hippos bench, urging a high press, turned the tide. The home side capitalised with three quick tries from Isaac Rujumba, Julius Opio, and Ayman Bagalana, with Wasswa adding two conversions to give Hippos a commanding 24-15 lead at halftime.
Hippos carried their momentum into the second half, extending their advantage through Rahim Kaziba’s try. Heathens fought back with a well-worked try from Nicolous Kato, but their repeated errors proved costly. Opio secured his second try of the match, while Wasswa’s penalty and five successful conversions sealed a landmark victory for the Hippos.
The defeat marked Heathens' heaviest loss in league play, leaving their coach, Mohammed Athiyo, disappointed but unwilling to be too critical of his players.
"We definitely played our hearts out against a very unpredictable monster in Hippos. Facts though, we made very many errors that haunted us throughout the game, but we will regroup," said Athiyo.
On the other hand, Hippos head coach Edmond Quaresma was pleased with his team's ability to execute their game plan.
"We worked on all our errors that included not conceding many set plays, but above all, my players responded to all that was passed on to them," said Quaresma.
Hippos’ victory was their first-ever against Heathens and their sixth win of the season, keeping them level with league leaders Pirates, who defeated KOBs.