Odong guides Pirates past steely Mongers

By Douglas Mazune and Johnson Were

PIRATES had Marvin Odong to thank for producing a man-of-the match performance as their side overcame a first half scare from Entebbe Mongers to secure their maiden bonus point victory in the Nile Special Premier Rugby League at Kampala Club on Saturday.

The U-19 national team captain who had earlier done the spade work to set up Denis Etuket for Pirates’ third try, broke loose a few metres from the centre-line and spectacularly raced to the try-line to seal a bonus point win, drawing wild cheers from the home fans.

Odong, a King’s College Budo leaver, who was promoted from Pirates’ junior side this season, was delighted to score his third try in as many games.

“My team gives me a comfortable environment to perform. I would love to develop my talent here and may be get to the national team when I make the grade. My primary target is to contribute to the team’s success,” Odong stated.

Jimmy Kato’s try gave Pirates an early lead and fly-half Hillary Juma added a penalty to extend it to 8-0.

Mongers replied with a try through Andrew Olwenyi and later a conversion and penalty by Adrian Wasswa to send shock waves through the home fans with a 10-8 lead.

Pirates promptly replied with a try thanks to Daniel Canowira’s brilliance, to regain the lead at 13-10.

Etucket added a try after a perfect combination with Odong and Ivan Magomu for an 18-10 halftime lead in favour of the hosts.

Mongers stepped up their act after recess, dominating possession and the resultant pressure yielded eight turnovers against Pirates.

Odong’s timely intervention

Mongers effort to bounce back was dampened by a brilliant try by Odong who side-stepped two opponents --- sprinting to the try line to stretch Pirates lead to 23-10. Mongers fought back managing a penalty and tries by Waswa and Olwenyi respectively to end the game 23-18.

At Kyadondo, Scot Oluoch got his first try of the season as Heathens beat Rhinos by 22-0.

In Jinja xfm Impis pipped Nile 15-14, while Kobs tamed Buffaloes by 22-9 on Friday to take their tally to 25 points, one ahead of second placed Heathens.