By 
Result
Tornado Bees CC
78 all out in 27 Overs
Ceylon Lions CC
79/1 in 14 overs
Ceylon Lions CC won by 9 Wickets
After a long break, the UCA National Men’s League started again today with a match between Ceylon Lions and Tornado Bees Cricket at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
Tornado Bees, fresh from clinching promotion as champions in the second division last season, faced a formidable challenge against the seasoned Ceylon Lions.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Ceylon Lions’ captain, Hamu Kayondo Bagenda, exhibited strategic prowess as his team managed to dismantle Tornado Bees.
Anas Baig, the son of former Cricket Cranes player Akbar Baig, emerged as the lone warrior for the Bees, scoring an admirable 38 off 39 balls.
However, this effort was insufficient as the Bees were bundled out for a mere 78 runs in 27 overs.
Despite recruiting new talent, including the Olipa brothers, Gerald and Rogers, former players of Strikers Cricket Club, and Musa Majid, a former player at Tornado Cricket Club, Tornado Bees fell short in their return to the top flight.
Cricket Cranes player Siraje Nsubuga, formerly associated with Challengers Cricket Club, stole the spotlight by taking six wickets and leading the Lions’ bowling charge.
Ceylon Lions secured a resounding victory by the 14th over, with Charles Musemeza contributing 16 off 19, Martin Ondeko, making a comeback from a hamstring injury, scoring 19 off 34, and Brighton Muganzi’s solid contribution of 22 off 33.
The Lions reached a commanding total of 79/1, claiming a decisive 9-wicket triumph.
Aziz Daman’s decision to withdraw all teams from the league has thrown open the race for a new champion, and Ceylon Lions appear to be strong contenders.
In the upcoming fixtures, Wanderers Cricket Club and Nyakasura Cricket Club will face off tomorrow at Lugogo Cricket Oval in what promises to be a captivating fixture.
Their last encounter at the same venue, saw Wanderers CC dominate Nyakasura, winning by 150 runs, setting the stage for an exciting clash tomorrow.
The season is indeed off to an intriguing start with surprises and standout performances shaping the narrative of the UCA National Men’s League.
