In a thrilling finale at the 2024 Sky View Girls Schools Cricket Week in Soroti, Light SS emerged victorious, clinching their first-ever title by defeating Olila High School in a nail-biting encounter in Soroti over the weekend.
The journey to the final was no easy feat for Light SS. They faced stiff competition throughout the tournament, culminating in a tense semifinal clash against Jinja SS, which they narrowly won by just 1 wicket. Meanwhile, Olila High School cruised to the final after a dominant performance against newcomers Sacred Heart SS, winning their semifinal by 9 wickets.
The final showdown was a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, with Olila High School aiming for a fifth consecutive title and Light SS seeking their maiden crown. The home sides divided the city as fans packed the stands to witness the epic battle.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Olila High School restricted Light SS to 76/9 in their allotted 20 overs. However, Light SS capitalized on the 29 extras gifted to them, setting a competitive total. In response, Olila High School’s run chase was led by Lorna Anyait’s valiant knock of 38 runs. Despite her efforts, Olila High School fell short by just 3 runs, running out of resources with victory in sight for Light SS.
The triumph for Light SS not only secured their first title but also proved their mettle after their victory in the regional qualifiers. Olila High School’s four-year reign came to an end at the hands of their familiar opponents.
The week-long tournament, which featured 16 schools from 6 regions across Uganda, was hosted by the Soroti Cricket Academy and sponsored by Sky View, with Renu-mesh and RUBIS as partners.
Individual accolades were also awarded, with Lorna Anyait of Olila High School named Player of the Series. Other notable winners included Mwbali Naume (Masaka SS) for Best Batter, Jimia Mohammad (Olila High School) for Best Wicketkeeper, Achan Zita (St Mary’s Madera) for Best Bowler, and Christine Aguti (Light SS) for Best Fielder.
Additionally, a squad of 25 players was selected for the U-19 girls’ training camp, which will be crucial for selecting the team to represent Uganda at the U-19 Girls World Cup Qualifiers in Rwanda.
The tournament showcased the talent and competitive spirit of young female cricketers across Uganda, providing a platform for them to shine on the cricketing stage.
