Despite losing 26-7 to the Heathens in the Edward Kitaka Memorial Sevens finals, the Kobs were still crowned as the 2017 Guinness National Rugby Sevens champions after accumulating enough points during the six-leg circuit.

On the final day of the Sevens, all that Kobs needed to be crowned as winners was to make it to the finals, and they did not disappoint; they beat the Rhinos 27-7 in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the Heathens had a different game plan as they were determined to spoil the party for the Kobs by beating them at their home grounds, Legends Rugby Club.

The Heathens had been unstoppable throughout the day and in the semifinals, they beat the Buffaloes 31-7, and advancing to the finals, the Heathens star players were ready to put up a show, with star Kenneth Okong scoring a hat-trick of tries in the finals to give them a comfortable win over the Kobs.

This year’s Guinness National Rugby Sevens were played over six legs and the teams had a fair share of all them.

The Kobs won the Jinja and Kyadondo legs, while the Heathens won the Legends Leg. The Buffaloes won in Gulu. The Mongers won at Makerere.

Now the focus will be turned on the upcoming Africa Men’s 7s Cup that will take place on October 6 – 7 at Legends Rugby Grounds.

Speaking at the finals, Estella Muzito, the Head of Beers at Uganda Breweries Limited said; “We thank all the players, fans and the Uganda Rugby Union for having made the 2017 Guinness National Rugby Sevens a success. We hope to have an even better experience at the upcoming Rugby Africa 7s Cup in October. We encourage the fans to turnout in large numbers and support the Rugby Cranes.”

Guinness joined the rugby fraternity to help support and build the sport in the country as well as pivot the national sevens team to greater heights. They contributed Shs200 million to the development of the team and sport. Of the contribution, Shs100 million was contributed in cash.

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Toro Golf Club star Ronald Rugumayo put up a masterclass play to win the 2017 Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Open Golf championship in one of the most thrilling playoffs golfers have been treated to in decades.

Rugumayo was playing for everything and with every putt, he continued to look like a true champion, outclassing defending champion Ronald Otile, after both players had finished the final day with a gross score of 299.

This meant that the 2017 Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Open Golf championship was to be decided in the playoffs; and so the players were back on the course to play three holes that would decide who would be crowned champion.

With a fitting stroke, both players teed off on No.12 at Kitante Golf Course where Rugumayo sank a birdie while Otile registered a par.

The players were then set for the second hole which is the Course’s No.17, in what was to be the highlight of the tournament.

Rugumayo pulled off a close to six-meter putt that left the gallery in bewilderment as this would turn out to be the decider. Otile too pulled off a birdie but was still a shot behind and the chase was taken to the final hole, No.18.

Here is where Rugumayo ran away with it as Otile’s luck ran out after driving his ball into the lower bunker. Having landed on the green, a calm and collected Rugumayo went on to sink in his ball that would win him the tournament.

An excited Rugumayo couldn’t believe winning the Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Open Golf championship as he paid respect to the gallery and also received a true sportsman’s honor from Otile, who had been the defending champion for two years.

“This was the most hard-earned trophy I have won. I had to be focused and have my game on point as the person I was playing against (Otile) is one of the best young golfers of our generation,” said Rugumayo.

The 76th Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Open Golf championship will go down as the best tournament we have had in years. The players made it so by giving the fans a game they will live to talk about for a while.

Although having lost his title, Otile is as ever optimistic and thankful for the opponent he was up against.

“I have played some of the hardest amateur players in Africa but today’s opponent deserved his win. He put on a game worthy of a true champion,” Otile remarked.

This is the first time Ronald Rugumayo has won the Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Open Golf championship.

Sponsoring the Uganda Golf Open for the 10th year, Uganda Breweries Limited through its premium brand, Tusker Malt Lager, had increased its cash contribution towards this year’s Open from Shs230 million to Shs250 million. The total contribution amounting to Shs500 million.

Speaking during the awards dinner at the Uganda Golf Club, Juliana Kaggwa, the marketing director of Uganda Breweries Limited said; “The Tusker Malt Uganda Open is not only profiling the sport of golf, but also the players, more so the upcoming young golfers participating in what has been a very tough sport at this level. So it is with genuine admiration that I offer congratulations to the tournament winner, Ronald Rugumayo, after what has been an outstanding performance.

“Congratulations are also in order to all the award winners – your hard work and dedication is truly appreciated. Thank you for what you do for the game.”

The Tusker Malt Uganda Open will return on 27th September – 30th September, 2017 for the Pros category at the Kitante Golf Course.

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