UNR Grizzlies revel in solid league start

GRIZZLIES coach Alphonse Umugire has challenged his team to build on their impressive league start as they chase for an even better display this year.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Silverbacks and Burundi players during a past regional tournament.(File Photo)

GRIZZLIES coach Alphonse Umugire has challenged his team to build on their impressive league start as they chase for an even better display this year.

Last season, the national university side finished second to champions Buffaloes prompting some rugby fans to predict a two-horse race this year even though the latter secured a 21-10 victory when the two sides met two weeks ago in the first leg.

After day 3, the varsity side is on level points (ten) with Buffaloes at the top of the league table although the latter has played a game less.

Grizzlies’ wins have come against former champions Gorillas 35-0 and Puma 42-5.

Against Puma, Grizzlies picked five points; four for the win and a bonus point for scoring more than four tries.

Umugire has now attributed the team’s outstanding display to the experienced Silverbacks trio of Ignace Nsanzimana (winger); Jean Pierre Umuhoza (full back) and Scrum half Stephen Mutasa which has even made good defenses look weak.

"The team is organised, the coordination is their right from the backline through to the attack,” he said.

"We have a target of trying to improve on our position last year and we are focused at doing just that.”

Meanwhile, compelling back to back wins over Sharks and Grizzlies are testament that Buffaloes mean business as far as lifting an unprecedented fourth successive league title is concerned.

Buffaloes can extend their lead at the top if they win their game in hand against Nyamirambo based side Lions de fer.
Tumba College and ISAE Busogo complete this year’s eight-team league contest.

Ends