The 22nd edition of the Sky View Girls Schools Cricket Week got underway on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Gulu with a thrilling opening day featuring dominant performances from established contenders and impressive debuts from new schools.
Defending champions Olila High School made an emphatic start to their title defense, registering a commanding 154-run victory over debutants St. Cornelius SS. Victoria Pearls all-rounder Malisa Ariokot led the charge with an unbeaten 96, setting the tone for a strong team performance.
However, the opening day was not only about the champions. New entrants Soroti SS and St. Theresa Girls School stole headlines with statement victories in their maiden appearances.
St. Theresa Girls School delivered a clinical all-round display to defeat Ndejje SS by 8 wickets. Their disciplined bowling attack dismantled the opposition for just 44 runs in 11.3 overs. Janet Abuu, Irene Tuhaise, and Catherine Tuhaise each claimed two wickets, while Mariam Kayesu added further control with one.
Soroti SS were equally impressive earlier in the day, bowling out Kasese SS for just 28 runs inside 12 overs before comfortably chasing the target in 7.2 overs to seal a 7-wicket win.
Record champions Jinja SS also made a strong statement, overpowering Goodheart SS by 165 runs. Captain Sheila Namagoba struck a quickfire 65 off 37 balls, while Asha Mukite added 58 off 37 to help post the highest total of the day, 198/8. Ann Mary Kisa then tore through the opposition with a six-wicket haul as Goodheart collapsed for 33.
Light SS continued their strong form from previous editions, defeating Mt. St. Henry’s High School by 95 runs. Mary Joyce Arugo anchored the innings with an unbeaten 54 before Teddy Anyait produced a remarkable bowling spell of 4 wickets for just 1 run.
Masindi SS also impressed with both bat and ball, powered by Peace Ninsiima (54*) and Mackline Kyosaba (49) to reach 127/2 before bowling out their opponents for 23. Mariam Nyangamo claimed four wickets, while Ninsiima made history with the tournament’s first hat-trick.
Hosts Gulu High School, however, endured a difficult start, suffering a 117-run defeat to St. John’s SS Mukono. Irene Mutonyi’s unbeaten 49 helped St. John’s post 136/6, while Sonia Nampeera starred with a five-wicket haul as Gulu collapsed for just 23.
