Rugby: Cowrie RFC, Police RFC clash in Premiership game

City rivals Cowrie RFC and Police RFC went head to head in the first premiership game of the season.
There was so much to play for as Cowrie RFC were desperate to extend their unbeaten record following their recent victory over Kaduna RFC at the Super Cup, while Police team who just returned from the 2016 edition of the Police Games in Abuja wanted to start the season on a winning note.
As expected, the tension soaked match was not easy with so many physical and crunchy tackles made as both team tried to draw the first blood.
Olatunji Oduntan was closed to putting Cowrie in front, courtesy of a well worked pass from Oladele John, but the golden chance was fumbled following a needless knock-on after which several chances were lost following series of power plays from Cowrie.
Speedster, Saliu Abdulmalik was thrown into the fray for Olanrewaju Akinremi as Police needed to add bite to their attack and break down the resistance of Cowrie RFC backline.
Spotting the substitution, head coach of Cowrie RFC Joseph Ofoha substituted Saheed Seghosime with Shittu Isiaka in order to neutralize the threat.
Finally, the breakthrough came so late in the 1st half as Cowrie captain, Azeez Ladipo converted a penalty kick after being awarded a penalty in front of the opposition goal post which put his side ahead by 3 points.
At the resumption of the second half, John Oladele scored the 1st try for Cowrie RFC extending their lead to 8 point before Azeez Ladipo converted the resulting kick to take the score to 10-0.
Tunji Oduntan scored another well worked try under the post after a wonderful interchange of passes with the conversion made easily by the captain, Azeez Ladipo to further extend their lead.
At the end of the feisty encounter, Cowrie RFC continued their 8 years league unbeaten run recording a 17-0 win over Police RFC.
In his post-match reaction, Police RFC player, Azeez Olanrewaju said, “We played a very good game but the game is all about endurance and playing strictly to the pattern.”
He lamented that the team lost because they did not play to instruction as he promised that the team will definitely bounce back in their next game.
Reacting on the new format of the CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited sponsored league which has been divided into the premier and Division 2 leagues, Azeez revealed that, “It’s a very good development because teams need to match each other as the league has to be more competitive.”
He explained that competition brings out the best in teams and not a one sided affair where certain teams have unnecessary advantage over a weaker team.