By Peter Kyobe
Rox Berry inched closer to their first-ever league title with a 12-8 away win against Adi’s Spot in a top-of-the-table clash on Match Day 26 of the Nile Special National Pool League, held on Sunday, May 11, at Adi’s Spot in Kireka.
The highly anticipated encounter, televised live on NBS Sport Television, showcased the depth and resilience of a star-studded Rox Berry side, who now sit atop the 16-team log with 84 points—six ahead of second-placed Upper Volta, with a superior frame difference.
Rox Berry started the match on the front foot, taking the first four frames through Hazard Lukomwa, Ian Kazibwe, Simon Lubulwa, and Ibrahim Sejjemba.
Adi’s Spot mounted a spirited comeback, with Moses Omara defeating Joseph Kasozi to join teammates John Ssimwogerere and Ashraf Kasirye on the scoreboard. However, Rox Berry regained momentum with another frame win before Adi’s Spot responded in frame nine.
With the score at 4-5 heading into the pivotal tenth frame, Adi’s Omara had the chance to level the match but missed a crucial black ball. Lukomwa capitalized with a long-range pot to give Rox Berry a 6-4 lead at halftime.
Following the interval, Adi’s Spot responded strongly. Emma Nagwere, Ashraf Ssentamu, and substitute Castor Othienno won three of the next four frames to level the match at 7-7.
But Rox Berry’s quality came to the fore in the next stretch, with Kazibwe, Lubulwa, and Kasozi claiming three consecutive frames to restore a commanding 10-7 lead.
Lukomwa then returned to beat Othienno in frame 18, effectively sealing the win for Rox Berry. Despite a late response from Adi’s Nagwere in frame 19, Sejjemba wrapped up the match with a win over Omara to confirm a 12-8 result.
With just a few matches remaining, Rox Berry remain favourites to lift the title. Victory in their next league outing will mathematically confirm them as champions.
