The Sky View Girls’ Schools Cricket Week 2025 roared into life on Monday with a flurry of emphatic victories, surprise results, and standout individual performances across five opening-day fixtures in Gulu. From defending champions Light SS asserting their dominance to tournament newcomers Mt. St Henry’s Mukono pulling off a dream debut win, the day offered a compelling glimpse into the talent and intensity of this year’s competition.
At the Gulu High School Ground, Light SS, the reigning champions, wasted no time reminding the field of their pedigree. Sent in to bowl first against St James SS, Light’s bowling unit delivered a near-perfect performance, dismissing their opponents for a meagre 17 runs in 15 overs — an innings in which 14 of the runs came from extras. Sarah Tino was virtually unplayable, taking three wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 0.5, while Michelle Ariago and Sophia Bogere chipped in with two wickets apiece. In a testament to their bowling precision, Light SS bowled ten maiden overs. The chase was a mere formality, as the target was knocked off in just 2.1 overs without the loss of a single wicket.
Over at Layibi College Ground, the tournament witnessed its first major upset as debutants Mt. St Henry’s Mukono stunned perennial contenders Gayaza High School with a 17-run victory. Batting first, Mt. St Henry’s showed poise beyond their experience, putting up 97 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Shatra Agenrwot anchored the innings with a steady 42 off 53 balls. In reply, Gayaza’s innings was marred by poor communication, resulting in four run-outs, a self-inflicted collapse that ultimately sealed their defeat. The win marked a historic moment for the Mukono side, securing their first national victory on debut.
On the adjacent Layibi College Ground 2, Olila High School launched their campaign with a dominant 90-run win over Masindi SS. Batting first, Olila piled on 156 runs in 19.5 overs, driven by aggressive knocks from Malisa Ariokot (45) and Asumin Akurut (33). Though Gloria Abicier of Masindi claimed four wickets in a spirited effort, the target proved far beyond their reach. Abicier was again the standout with the bat, but her teammates offered little support as Masindi crumbled for 66 in 17.1 overs. Olila’s Immaculate Nandera ripped through the batting order, finishing with a five-wicket haul in a statement performance.
In the high-scoring clash at Gulu Primary School, Sacred Heart SS overpowered their regional rivals Gulu High with a 104-run demolition. Sacred Heart batted with intent, amassing 166 for 6 in their 20 overs through contributions from Noreen Hanif (31), Wonders Agenrwat (29), Genesis Lakereber (23), and Rita Amono (20). Although Gulu High’s Comfort Amina picked up three wickets, the damage had already been done. Gulu’s chase never took flight, as they were bundled out for 62 in 16.5 overs. Amono capped her day with three wickets, delivering an all-round performance that highlighted Sacred Heart’s title credentials.
Rounding off the day at Gulu Prison Ground was a one-sided Nile Region derby, where Jinja SS thrashed Iganga SS by 91 runs. Batting first, Jinja posted a solid 128 for 4, courtesy of Hope Sheila Mbeiza (36) and Mary Namiiro (32). In reply, Iganga wilted under pressure and were bowled out for just 37 in 14.5 overs, never threatening the target as Jinja’s bowlers turned the screws with clinical efficiency.
