Brian Power's, Thunderbirds and Helen Buteme's, Black Panthers locked horns again over the weekend when they curtainraised the men's Uganda Cup final. Thunderbirds had the heavier and pack and regularly turned over the ball at the Black Panthers put in at the scrum. For the first 15 minutes Thunderbirds dominated play using their forwards while the Black Panthers defended ferociously and kept the Thunderbirds out of their 22. A clever turn over in the tackle by Black Panthers centre, Brenda Kayiyi, and the ball shifting out to speedster Emma Oroma who sprinted 40 metres to cross the try line. The conversion was missed but it breathed life into the Black Panthers players who, despite missing several chances to increase their lead, entertained the crowd with their brand of free flowing rugby. The game ended at 5 - 0 to Black Panthers.
Meanwhile, Helen Buteme, starred for Pirates 2 in the men's Uganda cup shield semi final on September 19th. Pirates 2 signed Buteme for the Uganda Cup and started her on the wing against Summerkamp where she played for 70 minutes of the game before being substituted. Buteme was not fielded for the final where Pirates 2 lost 8-6 to Boks.
ugrugbychiclet
