Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Jinja SS cerebrates alongside other winners of the ball games (1)
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Mukono
USSSA ball games Rugby results
Final
Jinja SS 27 SMACK 20
Third place
Namilyango 34 Kc Budo 6
It was all wild cheers and support from the Jinja SS and the entire Busoga zone fans before a similar share of cerebrations rocked Seroma Christian High Mukono new stadium as Jinja SS went against all odds to beat favourites St Mary's College Kisubi to their first ever rugby 15s title.
Action between Jinja SS (yellow) and SMACK
The 'Mighty School' as they code themselves, who were only coming for the second time at the USSSA ball games rugby 15s category, had sent a strong warning against their opposition on the way, when they beat three time and defending champions Kings College Budo 26-10 in the semifinals, and SMACK surely came to this occasion with the very warning at their hearts.
And this went as expected, when Emmanuel Enoba connected to a swinging pass from the right to run past the SMACK lonely rear and touched down right at the corner after just 5 minutes of the game with Rahim Kaziba converting it for a 7-0 lead.
A drop goal from Emmanuel Okot who run in the middle empty space following a beautiful move from the Jinja boys ensured an extended 10-point lead.
But SMACK charge from there and finally found the opening try by Dominic Singa with a perfect Trey Gateja conversion and before the Kisubi boys could effect their stability into taking a further attack, Jinja SS extended their lead to 13-7, all by Timothy Mawanda penalty.
And what the entire fans section believed would happen, came by as Benjamin Sserumaga's try was well converted by Gateja conversion and then added a penalty for SMACK to take a 17-13 halftime lead, but that was just at half time and not the end of the game.
Jinja SS head teacher Isaac Balimusangayo (white) being tossed in the air by the happy rugby boys after beating SMACK in the finals
Jinja SS returned from the break a different team with a different kind of energy, as they charged differently with their effort putting SMACK at ropes which saw Paul Kintu take a rare try under the poles with Mwanda following with an easy conversion but that was not the end, as Hashim Onyai making another try and well converted for a 27-17 lead.
Jinja SS rugby team
The eventual champions only allowed a slip when SMACK got a penalty, but that was right at the final whistle, as the Busoga boys knelt down in supplication when SMACK took the penalty.
Over it was and the joyful moment from the Busoga fraternity would be seen all-over where the Jinja SS head teacher Isaac Balimusangayo joined the party before he was raised and tossed in the air by the happy boys before the team matched to the podium to receive their maiden title from Ministry of education and sports permanent secretary Kedreth Turyagyenda.
Ministry of education and sports PS Kedrace Turyagyenda meets the teams
Namilyango meanwhile revenged on Kings College Budo's three time beating to the gold, by beating them 34-6 for the bronze medal and the four teams will represent Uganda at the coming FEASSA games in Morogoro, Tanzania, come August.
Torch Media Africa
