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After leading Cowrie Rugby Club to a slim 10 to 7 win over Police Rugby Club at the weekend, Vice Captain of Cowrie, Hafis Ayinla, boasted that the Lagos-based side have what it takes to defend their title.
The match saw both teams trying to outshine each other in the first half of the tie, but none of them could take advantage of chances created in the first 20 minutes of the game.
However, that changed when Hafis Ayinla, who stood in for Cowrie RFC Captain, Azeez Ladipo, crossed over the white wash for a try after taking a quick penalty tap from the opposition 22-yard position.
The successful conversion by young fly half, Fred Ochei guaranteed the maximum seven points for Cowrie RFC.
Cowrie RFC, who were heading for a half time break with seven points advantage, were obstructed by defensive lapses from winger Sammy Ekpo, who allowed Malik Salihu run out wide and step in for a beautiful try for Police, just as Samson Yahaya kicked the ball between the upright to tie the point at 7-7 before the break.
The Police backline opened up at every opportunity in the second half, keeping Cowrie on the back foot before Alfred Ochei gave his side a slender advantage with a successful penalty kick from three meters.
