AFTER two years without silverware, Lion de Fers believe this could be their year following Saturday’s victory over UNR Grizzlies. The two-time national rugby league champions (2005 & 2006) scored a morale-boosting 22-13 home win at Rugunga rugby grounds to condemn the varsity side to their second consecutive defeat this year. Two tries either side of half-time from coach-player Jean de la Paix Hategekimana and winger Emile were enough to ensure that the Nyamirambo-based side left with a bonus point on top of their win. The home win was a massive confidence booster for Lion de Fers but further more, in contrast to last year, the fact that the club is amongst the pace-setters in the early stages of the league gives Hategekimana enough reason to believe that their glorious days are back. “We lost a couple of experienced players over the last two years but we have re-energized the team with some new players and we believe we can mount a big claim for this year’s title,” he said. Although Sharks, Buffaloes and Lion de Fers are level on points (four), Sharks and Buffaloes occupy the top two slots on the league table because of a superior try- difference. After a more humiliating 95-00 defeat against defending champions Buffaloes in their league’s opening tie, it is very likely that UNR Grizzlies returned home with a few positives after a more solid performance last Saturday. Since the inaugural league back in 2004, Lion de Fers have won two titles (2005 & 2006); Gorillas have won two titles (2004 & 2007) while Buffaloes have won one (2008). Ends
