Stanbic Black Pirates moved a step closer to the Rugby Premiership final after defeating rivals Heathens in the first leg of their semi-final at Kyadondo Rugby Ground, leaving the hosts with a 12-point deficit to overturn in next weekend’s return fixture.The Pirates combined disciplined defence and clinical finishing to secure a valuable advantage ahead of the decisive second leg at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere. Eric Mulamula opened the scoring with a try before William Nkore added a penalty to extend the visitors’ lead. Heathens struggled to break through a well-organised Pirates defence, with Timothy Kisiga producing one of the match’s defining moments by denying the hosts a certain try with a crucial last-ditch block. Heathens started the second half brightly, reducing the deficit through a Mathew Musasizi penalty to make it 8-3. However, the Pirates quickly regained control following the introduction of Haruna Muhammad for Nkore. A well-executed attacking move resulted in another Pirates try, before Kisiga, who had switched to the number 10 jersey, added the conversion to stretch the lead to 15-3. Heathens coach Mervin responded by introducing Samuel Lubwama, Umar Duff and Jeremiah Okello in a bid to spark a comeback, but the hosts were unable to make further inroads. Pirates captain Isaac Massanganzira warned against complacency, describing the match as only the first chapter of a two-legged battle. The return fixture will also feature a memorial walk in honour of former Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo, beginning at TMT Shopping Mall and ending at Kings Park Arena. Stanbic Bank Uganda’s acting marketing and communications manager, Diana Kahunde, praised the team’s performance and urged them to finish the job as they pursue a place in the Premiership final.The post Stanbic Pirates take control as Heathens face uphill battle in semis appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.