MAKERERE HIMA TEN A SIDE TOURNAMENT.
Date:  8th & 9th November 2008
Venue: Kampala RFUC & Kyadondo RFC.
Time: 10:00am.
Gate Fee: UShs 5000 only
Sponsors: Hima Cement,  Standard Chartered Bank, MTN, Nile Special,UAP,G4S,IET.
Master of Ceremonies:  Ramsey Olinga Fidel

MTN Heathens overcome a mounting injury scare to win the 2008 Makerere Hima tens by defeating Kenya's Mwamba 14-5 in the main cup final

MTN Heathens finished the 2008 season strongly after adding the Makerere tens to their sevens circuit title. Just like the previous year Heathens met Kenya's Mwamba in the final, this time Heathens turned the tables to bring the trophy back to Uganda.

DAY ONE

The tournament as usual was blessed by rain the previous night meaning the teams had to compete in water soaked pitches. Despite Impala from Kenya not turning up-due to numerous injuries picked up from the Singapore sevens-the tournament kicked off on day one with plenty of action. At Kampala RUFC in group C G4S Pirates raised eyebrows in the first big clash of the day sneaking a 5-0 win over KCB from Kenya. Pirates went on to top the group defeating hosts Impis and UCU.G4S Pirates set up a day two main cup quarter final clash with Entebbe Mongers.KCB just sneaked into the main cup quarter finals after defeating UCU, drawing with Impis and loosing to G4S Pirates.

Kyadondo rfc hosted group A were Mwamba strolled through pool A until the eagerly anticipated clash with local club UTL Kobs in what was the last group game at Kyadondo RFC grounds. A sluggish and unfit looking Kobs who had initially laboured to defeat Buffaloes from Rwanda fell to Mwamba 12-0.Mwamba scored an unconverted push over try in the first half and sealed the win in the final minute with a brilliant break away centre post try from their captain.MTN Heathens won all her group games to set up an eagerly anticipated day two main cup quarter final clash with rivals UTL Kobs. Heathens though had lost winger Bishop Onen through shoulder injury in their first game besides missing Mathias Ochwo, Robert Seguya and Benon Kiiiza before the tournament. Centre Michael Wokorach picked up a knock on day one but was fixed to play later on day two.

Kenya's Mean Machine arrived late and were docked points for two walk over defeats which meant they ended up bottom of the group as they lost their final game to Heathens. In group D Nakuru won all her games to set-up an all Kenya main cup quarter final clash with KCB. On day one Mwamba had set the pace, Heathens also looked good in form while Pirates were playing some very exciting rugby.

DAY TWO

After yet another night of rain Sunday awoke to sunny skies but still more water logged pitches. The main cup quarters in Kyadondo rfc were the main attraction.Pirates dispatched Mongers to book a semi final berth, KCB upped the tempo to subdue Nakuru 'Wanyiore' as their fans call them, Mwamba walloped Rhinos while the highly anticipated battle between Heathens and Kobs did not disappoint at all. Heathens versus Kobs is and will probably always be the biggest rugby encounter in Uganda and is possibly the fiercest rivalry in East Africa.

HEATHENS VERSUS KOBS PRODUCE INCIDENT OF THE DAY

The encounter for whatever the outcome was value for money, no holds barred, high intensity and full of 'seat gripping' tension.
This was an encounter that will be the talking point for generations to come. From the kick off Heathens drew first blood scoring a try through Evans Kingasia inside 2 minutes. Captain Brian Tabaruka converted for Heathens to lead 7-0.Kobs Allan Masiko took out a Heathens player without the ball but what should have been a normal penalty against Kobs was followed up by a questionable straight yellow to Allan Masiko. This decision  incensed the Kobs players who surrounded the referee seeking clarification. Kobs despite being one man down responded pinning Heathens in their half. After another call at a ruck phase another yellow card was brandished to Kobs player Sam Rubanga by referee George Collins Mulindwa after some consultations with his lines man. The yellow card is adjudged to have been awarded for a fist thrown at a Heathens’ player. This drew yet more protests from disbelieving Kobs players. By this time the referee was having problems controlling the match that was quickly boiling over, as tensions rose and tempers flared. The incident of the game occurred at the half time whistle when the referee was physically attacked by a group of Kobs players, the beating spilled over to the referee's hospitality tent as the disbelieving fans witnessed the unfolding spectacle that looked like something out of a matrix sequel. Reports coming in after the game indicate the referee had blown for the match to end at half time which further incensed the Kobs players. Heathens’ Captain Brian Tabaruka spotted an ugly black eye after the fracas died down. Tournament Director Mr Yayiro Musisi Kasasa awarded the game to Heathens as the match couldn't continue. Kobs and Heathens players showed sportsmanship in shaking hands after the decision. This ugly incident cast a shadow of the tournament for the rest of the day.

HEATHENS ARE CHAMPIONS

KCB and Mwamba produced the contest of the semi finals with Mwamba pick pocketing KB 12-7 after the former had led at half time.KCB had looked the better team and were unlucky to have lost. Heathens beat Pirates by a single try through outstanding Scott '300' Oluoch who cut inside to break Anthony Kinene's tackle for a try. Brian Tabaruka converted to give Heathens a 7-0 which they hung unto until the final whistle.

In the lower competitions fast rising Entebbe Mongers coached by Kenyan Ham Onsando defeated Rhinos 12-0 to win the Plate Cup. Buffaloes won the Bowl competition after piping Impis II 5-0 through a try from veteran David Mutaka. Mean Machine won the shield by defeating Nile rfc 10-3.

In the main cup final Heathens were quickest out of the blocks with an early try from Scott '300' Oluoch after some good ground covered by Evans Kingasia. Captain Brian Tabaruka converted as Heathens went 7-0 up. Heathens who clearly had no jumper were turning over countless possession at the line outs and survived by some desperate defending most notably from Scott '300'  Oluoch, Michael Wokorach and Brian Kikaawa. The half ended 7-0 in favour of Heathens. At the re-start after sustained pressure Mwamba centre Horace Othieno Owitti crossed the line  for an unconverted try as Mwamba cut Heathens lead 7-5.With Heathens defending their lead Mwamba turned on the screws but just couldn't break the Heathens line, special mention goes out to Michael Wokorach and Brian Kikaawa whose crunching cross cover tackles saved potential tries. Mwamba were however dealt a sucker punch after a cross kick from Brian Tabaruka was gathered, Michael Wokorach pounced on the loose ball drew Mwamba's last line of defence and released  Mohammed Athiyo with an inside pass for a centre post try that was converted. The game ended 14-5 in favour of Heathens who won their fourth Makerere Hima Tens title.

Heathens won UShs 3.5 million from the sponsors Hima Cement, while runners up Mwamba walked away with UShs 2 million, 3rd and 4th placed Pirates walked away with UShs 1 million each. Scott '300' Oluoch was a deserved winner of the MVP award that came with a UShs 500,000 cash reward.
The curtains now fall on the 2008 URU calendar with the huge rugby fan club wondering what will occupy their free time over the next 2/3 months.

Main Cup Final
MTN Heathens 14 Mwamba 05

Plate Final
Entebbe Mongers 12 Rhinos 0

Bowl Final
Buffaloes 05 Impis II 0

Sheild Final
Mean Machine 10  Nile 03

MVP
George Scott '300' Oluoch (MTN Heathens)