Eric Mulamula delivered a Man of the Match performance as the Stanbic Pirates secured a vital first-leg advantage over rivals Heathens in the Rugby Premiership semi-finals at Kyadondo Rugby Ground.The explosive backline player opened the scoring and played a pivotal role throughout the contest as the Pirates claimed a hard-fought 15-3 victory, leaving the Heathens with a 12-point deficit to overcome in next weekend’s decisive return leg at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere.In a match played with the intensity expected of one of Ugandan rugby’s fiercest rivalries, it was Mulamula who provided the breakthrough for the visitors. His early try settled the Pirates and gave them momentum in a contest where both sides were determined to gain the upper hand in the race to the championship final.William Nkore added a penalty to extend the Pirates’ lead before the visitors produced one of the defining defensive moments of the game. Timothy Kisiga showcased remarkable determination with a last-ditch tackle that denied the Heathens a certain try, preserving the Pirates’ advantage heading into the break.The hosts responded strongly after halftime and reduced the deficit through a Mathew Musasizi penalty, making it 8-3 and reigniting hopes among the home supporters.However, the Pirates remained composed and continued to impose themselves on the game. A tactical substitution saw Haruna Muhammad introduced for Nkore, injecting fresh energy into the visitors’ attack.The move paid dividends as the Pirates executed a well-worked attacking sequence that resulted in another try. Kisiga, who had switched to the number 10 jersey, successfully added the conversion to stretch the lead to 15-3.With the Heathens searching for a way back into the contest, Pirates coach Mervin made further tactical adjustments, strengthening his defensive structure with the introduction of Samuel Lubwama. The visitors’ defensive discipline ensured they maintained control of the game until the final whistle.His performance gave the fans one of the best moments of the match Mulamula’s outstanding contribution on both attack and defence earned him the Man of the Match accolade, capping a memorable performance that has placed the Pirates in a strong position ahead of the return fixture.Speaking after the match, Pirates captain Isaac Massanganzira cautioned against complacency despite the healthy advantage.“This was only the first half of the battle. The Heathens are a quality side, and we expect another tough contest next weekend. We have given ourselves a good platform, but the job is far from done,” he said.Attention now turns to the second leg, scheduled for next Saturday at Kings Park Arena. The occasion will also carry special significance as the Pirates community honours the memory of fallen teammate Sydney Gongodyo.The day will begin with a memorial walk from TMT Shopping Mall, where Gongodyo was tragically killed, before concluding at Kings Park Arena for what promises to be an emotional and fiercely contested semi-final showdown.With Mulamula in inspired form and a 12-point cushion to defend, the Stanbic Pirates will be confident of completing the job and booking their place in the championship final.The post ‘Hard Guy’ Eric Mulamula Stars as Stanbic Black Pirates Take Semi-Final Advantage Over Heathens appeared first on The Insider.