Ugandan import Robin Odrua delivered a masterclass off the tee and in open play as South Coast Pirates outgunned Homeboyz 46-24 in an entertaining KRU Championship round six clash staged at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.
Homeboyz, popularly known as the DJs, made a bright start to the contest, striking first through a well-taken penalty to take an early 3-0 lead over the Diani-based outfit. However, Pirates quickly settled, with Odrua, signed during the last transfer window—announcing his presence by calmly slotting over a penalty to level matters at 3-3.
Pirates then took control of proceedings. Juma Burashi crossed over for the opening try following sustained pressure, and Odrua added the extras to hand the visitors a 10-3 advantage. The momentum stayed with Pirates as James Ainea finished off a flowing open-play move to extend the lead to 15-3.
The hosts responded with a converted try to cut the deficit to 15-10, briefly swinging the energy back in their favour. But Odrua once again proved decisive, scoring a try for Pirates and converting his own effort to push the score to 22-10. Homeboyz managed to slot another penalty before the break, heading into halftime trailing 22-13.
The second half followed a similar script, with Odrua firmly in control. He opened the scoring with a penalty to make it 25-13 before Homeboyz hit back with a try to narrow the gap to 25-18. Two quick penalties from the DJs saw them close to within a single point at 25-24, setting up a tense spell.
Pirates, however, showed composure and quality. Odrua restored breathing space with a penalty to make it 28-24, then added two more in quick succession as the visitors pulled away at 34-24. Charles Tendwa powered over for another Pirates try, though the conversion sailed wide, stretching the lead to 39-24.
The final blow came through speedster Brian Maina, who intercepted a pass and raced clear to score, with Odrua converting to cap off a fine individual performance and seal a convincing 46-24 victory.
The win marked Pirates’ fourth of the season, they welcome JKUAT in this weekends clash.
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