Light SS defies odds and secures championship against Olila High School

Result

Light Secondary School 76/9 20 overs
Olila High School 73/7 in 20 overs

Light Secondary School won by 3 runs

As the curtain fell on the annual Girls Schools Cricket Week tournament yesterday, Light SS emerged triumphant, defying expectations with a nail-biting victory over Olila High School by a mere three-run margin.

Olila High, aiming for their fourth consecutive nationals trophy after victories in 2019, 2022, and 2023, faced off against Light SS, seeking their maiden title.

Both teams displayed dominance in their respective groups as they finished unbeaten in the group stage games, with Olila High defeating Sacred Hearts SS by 9 wickets in the semifinals, while Light SS secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over Jinja SS.

In the final showdown, Olila High’s decision to bowl first appeared strategic as they restricted Light SS to a modest 76 for 9 in 20 overs.

Timong Patricia was the lone standout for Light SS, scoring 12 runs.

Lorna Anyait spearheaded Olila High’s bowling attack with 2 wickets, supported by Atim Sarah, Akurut Asumin, and Malisa Ariokot, each claiming a wicket.

Despite Anyait’s valiant 38-run contribution in Olila High’s chase, they fell agonizingly short.

In a tense finale at Madera Ground, Olila needed four runs off the last ball but couldn’t manage.

Tino Sarah and Apolot Patricia impressed with two wickets each for Light SS, while Christine Aguti, named player of the match in the finals, showcased an outstanding economy of 0.5, conceding just 2 runs in her four-over spell.

Photo moments in the match

Light SS’s historic three-run victory marked their maiden nationals trophy, achieving a remarkable double of regional and national titles for the first time.

The tournament witnessed 302 players in action, tallying 9038 runs across 59 matches, with 12 half-centuries recorded.

Masaka SS’s 208/2 against Good Heart was the highest team score, while Apolot Patricia the captain of Light SS boasted the best bowling figures of 5/5, and Nalukende Leila from Jinja SS recorded the highest individual score of 92.

Amid palpable excitement in Soroti, Light SS, affectionately known as the Lighters, were crowned champions.

Following the tournament, 25 players were selected to participate in a training camp at Jinja SS, with hopes of securing a spot in the under-19 team for the World Cup qualifiers in Rwanda in August.

The squad was announced by the newly appointed manager for the Baby Victoria Pearls, Lelia Namaganda Ondeko, as they embark on their 10-day camp today.