Playing their first match following the passing and burial of former teammate Sydney Gongodyo laid to rest earlier this week, Pirates produced a composed performance to claim an important away win and carry a 12-point cushion into the second leg.
The visitors made a bright start and opened the scoring through the reliable boot of William Nkore, who slotted over a penalty for a 3-0 lead.
Pirates then extended their advantage when Alex Aturinda broke from the base of a scrum and created space for Erix Mulamula to cross for the opening try of the contest. The conversion was missed, leaving the visitors with an 8-0 lead at halftime.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
- Collins Injera inducted into Fiji’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame
Heathens responded after the break with a penalty to cut the deficit to 8-3 and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
However, Pirates quickly restored control. Following a penalty situation close to the line, Aturinda reacted fastest to dive over for the team’s second try of the afternoon. Nkore added the extras to stretch the lead to 15-3.
The result leaves Black Pirates firmly in control of the semi-final tie as they head into the return leg seeking to seal a place in the Uganda Rugby Premiership final.
