The Tooro 7s was certainly the most entertaining circuit in 2023 so far as it had very many twists and turns and was full of surprises.
Most notably is the fact that, for the first time in this year’s circuits, atleast each team registered a loss, and just one of the “top 3” made it to the semi finals.
The Kobs who were the eventual winners came out all guns blazing this time round after losing to Heathens in the finals at Rujumba 7s. They finished the work against rivals Black Pirates in the Quarter finals and Hippos in the Semifinals, then defeating Mongers in the finals.
Joseph Aredo was crowned MVP and this was due to the stellar performance he put in. He scored 4 tries and converted 13 times on top of the big tackles to make sure his team emerged victorious.
The Mongers were the other big movers of the weekend after reaching the finale for the first time in a very long time. Despite losing to Warriors, they came up big in their final group game shocking the Jinja Hippos once again with a 10:05 victory to advance to the next round.
They then defeated Rhinos (17:12) in a very close game and also finished the job against Buffaloes to advance to the Finale.
The Kobs turned out to be too strong for the Entebbe based side but the boys put up a show atleast.
Mark William Lukwago was at the heart of all the Mongers plays both offensively and defensively and he scored 5 tries. He has left many people wondering if he deserves a chance at the National team.
Heathens scored the most tries (30) at the circuit despite not making it out of the group stages. Norbert Okeny once again in top form with 9 tries while Rujumba 7s MVP Lawrence Ssebuliba scored 8 for his side.
Ivan Bulima of the Walukuba Barbarians has been holding it down steadily no wonder he has risen through the ranks. He scored 7 tries in Tooro sending his tally to 18 and 4th in the standings.
William Nkore is the unsung hero of the Pirates and he was in spectacular form scoring 6 tries and 8 conversions.
The return of Gabriel Aredo seemed to give the warriors a spark as his combination with Kinyai Hamza was a beauty. They scored 17 tries, and Hamza Kinyai scored 5 of them and getting 6 conversions
The Toyota Buffaloes have steadily been playing good rugby, exhibiting some skills too. Captain Dainel Kateregga scored 5 tries and 2 conversions but the biggest highlight was the connection between Liam Walker and Aaron Atooke. Aaron also showed that he’s got the pace, touching down 5 times for his side.
The Rhinos played exceptionally well more so against the Heathens in the 3rd group game. They managed to reach the quarter finals but were eliminated by the Mongers. One of the most outstanding tactics of the Rhinos is their ability to create gap and offload to the incoming support. This was their biggest weapon and as a result, the tries were scored by multiple people. Arnold Ocen however scored the most with 5.
Sarah Kirabo was named MVP for the ladies after she scored 12 tries sending her tally to 19, 1 behind Emily.
Grace Auma of the Black Pearls showed why her call up to the National team is not a mistake, she scored 6 tries and converted on 10 occasions to help her squad win once again.
Nakuya Agnes (7) and Aisha Nakityo (6), teammates on the national team showed up for their side Thunderbirds.
Emily Lekuru scored 6 tries and 2 conversions but the biggest highlight was that dangerous tackle she made that got her red carded. Consequently, she was banned for 6 games and will therefore miss the next circuit.
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