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Soroti Cricket Academy was strongly represented by two teams, A and B, in the under-18 girls’ invitational inter-hub tournament. The standout performance came from Soroti Cricket Academy A, emerging as the undisputed champions of the competition.
Throughout the tournament, Soroti Cricket Academy A showcased dominance, securing victories in all five games played.
Their journey included a significant triumph over sister team Soroti Cricket Academy B during both the group stage and the final, ultimately claiming the top spot in this inaugural event.
In the opening match against East Enders Sports Hub, Soroti Cricket Academy A displayed resilience.
Despite a low-scoring affair where East Enders posted 64/6 in 20 overs, Soroti Cricket Academy-A comfortably chased down the target with 65/2 in 20 overs.
Timong Patricia’s contribution of 19 runs ensured a smooth 8 wickets victory for Soroti Cricket Academy-A.
The Soroti Derby unfolded on match day two, taking place at St. Joseph’s College Layibi. Soroti Cricket Academy-A set a challenging target, posting 92/5 in 20 overs, with Jimia Muhammed leading the way with 31 runs. Despite Ariago Mischelle’s commendable bowling effort (2/19) for Soroti Cricket Academy-B, they fell short, managing only 60/6.
Soroti Cricket Academy-A secured a 32-run victory on match day three, the team-A faced Mukono Cricket Community, showcasing their batting prowess by setting a commanding total of 146/3 in 20 overs. Timong Patricia’s impressive 63 runs off 57 balls and Apolot Patricia’s brisk 55 off 49 balls set the tone.
In response, Mukono Cricket Community struggled, managing only 89/4, with Nakakande Agnes as the top scorer with 24 runs off 18 balls. Soroti Cricket Academy-A’s bowlers, led by Akurut Asumin’s 2 wickets for 15 runs, sealed the 57 runs victory for Soroti Cricket Academy-A.
Later in the day, Soroti Cricket Academy-A faced Northerns Cricket Hub, where they showcased their batting prowess, accumulating a total of 100/2 in a reduced 12-over match. Timong Patricia and Akurut Asumin both played pivotal roles, contributing 40 runs each.
Northerns Cricket Hub encountered difficulties reaching the target and managed only 51/6 in 12 overs, with Genesis Tamu contributing 16 off 15 balls. Soroti Cricket Academy-A secured a convincing victory by 49 runs.
Having accumulated 8 points from 4 games, Soroti Cricket Academy A earned a spot in the finals.
Meanwhile, Soroti Cricket Academy B also advanced, having tied on points with East Enders at 4 each but securing a better net run rate.
In the highly anticipated finals between Soroti Cricket Academy-A and Soroti Cricket Academy-B, the former posted a modest total of 77/10 in 19.3 overs. Timong Patricia top-scored with 23 runs off 28 balls.
Akurut Asumin for SCA A won the toss and opted to bat first during the finals.
Despite the impressive bowling efforts of Ariago Mischelle (3/13) and Icumar Josephine (2/9) for Soroti Cricket Academy-B, the team fell short in the chase, being all out for 69 runs.
Apio Blessings managed 14 runs off 20 balls, but it wasn’t enough. Soroti Cricket Academy-A emerged triumphant by 8 runs, claiming the championship.
In a tournament boasting 68 talented players, East Enders displayed a formidable batting performance, having the highest team score of 158/3 in 20 overs, with Mbeiza Hope’s remarkable 71 as the highest individual score.
Notably, Apio Blessing Noeline from SCA B, a primary seven leaver, showcased exceptional and best bowling figures of 3/6 in 4 overs, adding an extra layer of brilliance to the tournament.
Speaking on behalf of the hubs, Mr. Musana Felix from Soroti Cricket Academy commended the organizers for orchestrating a successful event that allowed young girls to display their talents.
Mr Musana Felix chairman SCA giving his speech at the closing ceremony.
He emphasized that these tournaments play a vital role in providing girls with opportunities to showcase their skills, expressing his hope for more frequent occurrences of such tournaments.
“We’ve successfully organized the inaugural edition, providing a platform to showcase the ongoing efforts of all the Cricket Hubs in Uganda for UCA. Looking ahead, we’re envisioning an even grander event next year to amplify opportunities for young talents.
Additionally, the tournament serves as valuable preparation for the U19 Women’s national team, gearing up for a crucial qualifier event in August in Kigali.” – Development Officer Northern Region, Mr Mutyagaba Grace.
The development manager for Uganda Cricket Association, Mr. Turinawe Davis, highlighted the positive trajectory of cricket, marking this tournament as the opening of many more to come.
He pointed out that players who may not have shone in this particular event still have ample opportunities for redemption, citing the Girls Schools league scheduled for March and the schools cricket week happening in May.
This continuous series of events, he believes, offers players multiple chances to turn their performance around and make a mark in the cricket scene.
Individual Awards.
Player of the series: Timong Patricia (Soroti Cricket Academy-A)
Best Batter: Mbwali Naume (Mukono Cricket Community) – 117 runs
Best Bowler: Ariago Michelle (Soroti Cricket Academy-B) – 7 wickets
Best Fielder: Apio Blessing Noeline (Soroti Cricket Academy-B) – 7 dismissals
Best Wicketkeeper: Akidi Suzan (Soroti Cricket Academy-B) – 9 dismissals
