Mwiri lays down early marker as Cricket makes USSSA Ball Games II debut in Gulu

Mwiri Lay Down Early Marker as Cricket Makes USSSA Ball Games II Debut in Gulu

Game Day 1 – Saturday, 11th July 2026

Boys’ Category

Busoga College Mwiri “The Leopards” roar against Ngora High School as cricket makes its debut at the USSSA Games

Busoga College Mwiri announced their arrival in style as cricket made its historic debut at the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Ball Games II, sweeping aside Ngora High School in both opening matches of the boys’ competition in Gulu.

The landmark fixtures, played at St. Joseph’s College Layibi, marked a new chapter for school cricket in Uganda, with the sport featuring among the demonstration disciplines at this year’s Games.

Mwiri, with years of cricket experience behind them, displayed their quality from the opening ball, producing two dominant performances to take an early advantage in the best-of-three series.

In the opening encounter, Ngora High School won the toss and opted to field, but Mwiri’s batsmen quickly took control of proceedings.

They posted an imposing 171 for 3 in 17 overs, led by Joshua Kisira, who delivered a match-winning unbeaten 74 off 52 balls.

The target proved too steep for Ngora, who were bowled out for 29 runs in 10.3 overs as Mwiri secured a convincing 142-run victory.

The second match provided a more competitive showing from Ngora, who elected to bat first and managed 49 for 9 in 15 overs.

However, Mwiri’s composed chase saw them reach the target in 8.4 overs for the loss of three wickets, completing a seven-wicket victory.

Trevor Arikiriza was named Player of the Match for his contribution during the successful run chase.

Despite the contrasting results, Ngora’s performance showed encouraging signs of growth, considering playing only a first competitive match.

Their improvement between the two matches reflected their determination to adapt to the demands of the sport.

The two schools will meet twice more, with the winner of the series set to be crowned the boys’ champions.

Mwiri captain Martin Kisubi praised the team’s performance but called for continued focus.

 

“Today’s games were good and the opponents competed well.

As Mwiri, we have to maintain our standards and continue performing at our very best.”

 

Ngora skipper Solomon Ekiba remained optimistic about his team’s progress.

“It was our first time playing against a strong team like Mwiri. The first game was difficult, but I saw improvement in the second.

We shall continue working together as a team and give our best in the remaining matches.”

 

The girls’ competition will begin on Monday, with Light Secondary School and Sacred Heart Secondary School, Gulu, set to compete in a four-match series.

Cricket’s participation at the USSSA Ball Games II is being coordinated by Cricket Uganda Technical Director Simon Kintu, with support from umpires Anthony Wantono, Sharon Athoula and Emmanuel Kamya.

The sport joins Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Pickleball, Darts and Golf as demonstration disciplines at the Games, highlighting USSSA’s commitment to expanding sporting opportunities and nurturing emerging talent among secondary school athletes.