Nathan Bwambale and Frederick Mulindwa carried a battering Stanbic Black Pirates outfit to a 19-14 victory against the resurgent Hippos on Saturday evening.
In what promised to be a helter-skelter encounter, the Hippos drew first blood courtesy of a penalty which saw Haruna Mubiru receive temporary matching orders for his role in impeding the Hippos’ attack.
With a man down, the Pirates organized their attack and were rewarded with two penalties, neatly taken by Frederick Mulindwa. The tides continued to turn for the hosts who would also be awarded a penalty try for infringement action by Shawn Mubiru. The latter would be sent to the bin for ten minutes, giving Pirates a 13-07 lead at the half.
The second half saw the Mulindwa punish Hippos’ mistakes further with another penalty to push the game to 16-07. The Hippos forwards took the game over, taking on their opposite numbers, led by James Okello and Eliphaz Emong. They would later create a platform for Andrew Odhiambo to break through and reduce the deficit to 16-14 with a full converted try.
Injuries started to creep into the Hippos, losing their most experienced heads, and amateur hour crept in. They made all the wrong decisions – kicking against the wind, running square with no gain-line success and quick starts with ample support. Nathan Bwambale kept carrying the Pirates forward and pushing the home team. A late penalty from Mulindwa ensured the Pirates registered the win, winning 19-14.
The win pushed Pirates into third place, behind the only unbeaten sides in Rhinos and Platinum Credit Heathens. For the Rhinos, Ivan Kirabo put on a clinic to inspire his team to a 20-13 win away to Buffaloes. The Heathens were 36-17 bonus point winners at Mongers and returned to the top of the table on points difference.
The KCB KOBs continue their ascension up the log and now sit fourth thanks to a nervy 24-13 against the Impis. Walukuba Barbarians registered their second win this year, taking down the Rams 23-07. The Warriors climbed off the bottom of the log thanks to a 32-13 win away at Kampani’s Eagles.
Game Week 4 Results
- Stanbic Black Pirates 19-14 Jinja Hippos
- Toyota Buffaloes 13-20 Rhinos
- Plascon Mongers 17-36 Platinum Credit Heathens
- Walukuba Barbarians 23-07 Lifeguard Rams
- KCB KOBs 24-13 Impis
- Kampani’s Eagles 13-32 Warriors
