CMB South-West League: Cowrie retains title, Lagos RFC gains promotion

COWRIE Rugby Club became champions of the CMB Building, Maintenance & Investment Ltd sponsored South West League for the fifth time as they ground out victory under a perfect weather against a spirited Racing Rugby Club in an electrifying final league match on Saturday at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The script could not have been better for Cowries, who built their game to curtail a territory and power-based style of Racing. The reigning South West champions broadened their approach in the game after losing to Racing earlier in the season. 

Racing looking to play a game based on power around the fringes, Cowries were happy to hammer them backwards in defense, pin them deep through the boots of fly half and captain, Azeez Ladipo and take advantage of their numerous mistakes.

 

Both teams were on 18 points apiece on the tournament table prior to the match with Racing topping the table with just two point on aggregate. 

The defending champions were on the offensive early on as they put the Racing defense on the back foot through a grubber kick which led to winger Misan Ryan Onwu’s try in the fifth minute. Ladipo converted and also kicked over a penalty in 17th minute to put his team 10 - 0 up.

Racing immediately turned on their A game as they dominated the line outs and played their territorial tactics which paid off in the 20th minute when Emmanuel Ayewe picked up a loose ball and set up centre; Patrick Mbamarah to cross over the white wash for a try converted by in-form fly half; Monday Alex who also kicked over a penalty to keep the score at 10-10.

There was a huge scare for Cowrie when captain Ladipo walked off the pitch in the 34th minute due to an arm injury then Hafis Ayinla raced through the Racing defense for their second try to put the score at 15-10 just before the break.

The second half was a kicking battle between two young discoveries; Monday Alex of Racing and Alfred Oche who kicked in 3 penalties to put the final score at 24-13 to kill off a stirring second half fight back by a high spirited Racing team.

Earlier on, Lagos Rugby Club gained promotion to premier division after defeating Royal Stallions of Ilorin 6-5 through the boots of Mohamme Salisu and Steven James.

Police Rugby Club then beat an already relegated Gosar Rugby Club 64-0 in the second match of the day before Racing and Cowrie took centre stage.

Cowrie will once again represent the South West to compete in the National Super Cup championship against winners of the Northern league which is presently on break due to the Ramadan fast.