By 
Result
JACC 214 all out in 50 overs
Soroti City CC 156 all out 40.4 overs
JACC won by 58 runsÂ
Soroti City Cricket Club’s aspirations for top flight qualification were thwarted by Jinja Association of Cricket Clubs (JACC) in a pivotal match held at the Jinja SS Cricket Oval yesterday.
JACC, who topped Group B, faced Soroti City, the second-placed team from Group A, in a decisive encounter to determine who would advance to the Division Two finals and earn a spot in Division One.
After winning the toss, Soroti City opted to bowl first.
However, their fielding performance was below par, allowing JACC to post a competitive total of 214 all out in 50 overs.
Ronald Puwata spearheaded JACC’s innings with an impressive 63 off 69 balls, supported by Muwangizi Timothy with 36 and Baidu Ivan with 20.
Despite the efforts of Ochen Peter and Ogwang Wilfred, who each took three wickets, Soroti City struggled to contain JACC’s batsmen.
Debutant Kiza Jonathan and Outeke Gideon provided some assistance by claiming two wickets each, but it was not enough to stem the run flow.
In response, Soroti City Cricket Club faltered in their chase, managing only 156 all out.
Derrick Bakunzi and Ogwang Wilfred offered a glimmer of hope with a 64-run partnership, but their momentum was halted when Bakunzi was trapped LBW by Nuwagaba Edwin after scoring 42 off 41 balls.
Another notable partnership of 45 runs between Ogwang and Ochen was broken when Ogwang was also given out LBW.
The 58-run defeat denied Soroti City a place in Division One at their first attempt. They will have to regroup and try again next season.
Meanwhile, JACC’s victory secures their spot in the Division Two finals against Avengers Cricket Club, with both teams having already qualified for the top flight.
The final will decide which team advances as the Division Two champion.
Interestingly, Avengers Cricket Club, who were relegated alongside Africa Cricket Club last season, have managed an immediate return to top flight cricket.
This adds a layer of excitement to their upcoming match against JACC, as both teams vie for the title of Division Two champions.
