Light Secondary School capped off a flawless campaign by defeating defending champions Olila High School by five wickets to win the 2026 Girls Schools Cricket Week title in Gulu City.
The final, played at the Gulu High School Cricket Ground on Friday, saw Light SS complete the tournament unbeaten to secure their second championship crown in what was a repeat of the 2024 final against Olila HS.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Olila struggled to gain momentum and were restricted to 62/8 in their 20 overs. Captain Malisa Ariokot top-scored with 22 runs while Joan Ilora added 11.
Light SS produced a disciplined bowling performance led by Ritah Alio and Teddy Anyait, who both picked up three wickets. Sarah Tino and Joyce Mary Arugo added one wicket each to keep Olila under pressure throughout the innings.
In reply, Light SS chased down the target in 18.2 overs despite losing wickets along the way. Susan Akidi scored 14 runs while Ruth Kulume anchored the innings with an unbeaten 15 to guide her side to victory.
Olila’s Divine Gabriella Nyamer delivered an impressive spell of 1/7 in four overs and was named Player of the Match, but her efforts were not enough to stop Light SS from reclaiming the title.
Earlier in the placement match, Soroti Secondary School defeated St. James Secondary School by six wickets to finish their campaign on a high note.
St. James SS posted 48/9 after electing to bat, with Namata Kevin scoring 15 runs while extras contributed heavily to the total. Soroti’s bowling attack was led by Judith Iroo, who claimed three wickets, while Vivian Alibo and Sharon Ainyo picked up two wickets each.
Soroti SS successfully chased the target in 17 overs, with Mary Nabuma remaining unbeaten on eight runs as extras again played a crucial role in the innings.
The tournament also recognized outstanding individual performers for their contributions throughout the week-long competition.
Ritah Alio won the Best Bowler award after taking 20 wickets in nine matches, while Malisa Ariokot was named Best Batter with 279 runs at an average of 46.5.
Sonia Nampeera of St John’s SS Mukono emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after collecting 21 wickets, scoring 62 runs and winning six Player of the Match awards.
Mary Nabuma of Soroti SS won the Best Fielder accolade with 14 dismissals, while Mackline Kyosaba of Masindi SS was named Best Wicket-Keeper.
Following the tournament, 25 standout players were selected for the national U19 training camp as Uganda continues to strengthen its youth cricket development pathway.
Light SS crowned Girls Schools Cricket Week champions after unbeaten campaign
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