The Ghana Rugby League championship has kicked off in another milestone for the sport in West Africa.
Seven clubs – Legon Skolars, Nima Rhinos, Nima Warriors, Monprobie Vikings, ECK Force, Famous City and Kaneshie Rugby League – will play a round-robin format totalling 21 matches over three months.
In the historic first round, the clubs from Nima, a district in central Accra, were both victorious, with the Warriors defeating the Vikings 24-0 and the Rhinos getting past Legon Skolars 18-10 in a terrific clash.
Skolars captain Philip Asomaning, who’s side based at the University of Ghana has entered into a formal partnership with the London Championship One outfit of the same name, is sure his men will be able to improve. “The game was very tough and, as we expected, the Rhinos were difficult to beat. But we have a lot to work from”
His counterpart, Rhinos skipper Jason Jata, was quick to commend Legon on their performance. “Although we won both sides were pretty even. We both made a lot of mistakes and I think we capitalised on theirs more. The officiating was good.”
Both captains agreed that Rugby League can grow in Ghana. “It’s such a good sport that more and more people will get involved,” said Asomaning, while Jata added, “More publicity will get more fans coming to watch the game which will help.”
In week two, just completed, the first round winners faced off in a local derby, with the Warriors edging the Rhinos 38-36, a 78th minute conversion separating the sides.
