How Pirates defended Rujumba 7s title

Nicholas Kato sank his former employers, the Heathens, with a last-minute try to hand the Stanbic Black Pirates a 26-24 win in the final of the Rujumba 7s at the Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Wakiso district.

With the Platinum Credit Heathens leading 24-22 just seconds to the hooter, Kato received the ball in the 22-yard from Desire Ayera and sprinted to the try line, sending the Pirates fans into celebrations while the Heathens bench and fans were left paralysed.

The win handed the hosts their title defence and kept their overall title defence hopes in the six-leg tournament alive.

The final, which lived up to its billing, saw the Pirates open an early 14-0 lead with tries from Jones Kamiza and Jeremaih Ojambo, while William Nkore added the conversions.

However, the Pirates' celebrations were cut short as the Heathens responded with two tries and a conversion to end the first half 14-12 in favour of the Pirates.

In the second half, the Heathens put up a spirited fight, mounting more pressure which yielded a try and conversion by Malcom Okello to take a 19-14 lead. Okello added another try to stretch the lead to 24-14 for the Heathens.

However, the Kyadondo-based side's celebrations were cut short as Pirates skipper Alex Aturinda scored a try, with a conversion by William Nkore for the hosts to close the gap to 21-24.

Seconds to the hooter, Kato received the ball from Desire Ayera and sprinted to the try line, leaving the Heathens fans stunned as the Pirates fans burst into wild celebrations.

Stanbic Black Pirates' Jones Kamiza scores a try against the Heathens during the Rujumba 7s final at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere. PHOTO: Johnson Were

Pirates skipper Alex Aturinda attributed the victory to the focus of the boys. "There is a belief that 'P' at Pirates stands for pressure. It has not been easy, but I am glad the boys took charge of the pressure and pulled it off."

"It is not yet over; we are now going to focus on the next circuit at Kyadondo because all the teams are good and their target is on us," Aturinda added.

Heathens' Malcom Okello emerged as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Heathens' Mathew Musasizi (in yellow) tackles Pirates' Alex Aturinda during the Rujumba 7s final. Pirates edged Heathens 26-24 at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere. PHOTO: Johnson Were