Sippi Trekkers stun favorites Bujjagali in thrilling final showdown
David GOMBE
Match Summary
Bujjagali Rafters Innings 66/8 (20 overs)
Sippi Trekkers Innings 67/6 (18 overs)
Result: Sippi Trekkers won by 4 wickets
In a week-long tournament brimming with talent, drama, and youthful promise, it all came down
to the final clash: the unbeaten Bujjagali Rafters vs the spirited Sippi Trekkers.
The Rafters, who had dominated the group stages, entered the final as clear favorites.
But cricket, as ever, thrives on unpredictability and the Trekkers had one last trek to complete.
A Final Full of Twists
Winning the toss under grey skies, Bujjagali’s captain made the bold call to bat first. But the innings quickly spiralled into trouble.
Judith Nakasaga fell for a duck, setting a grim tone for the Rafters.
Only Immaculate Nakisuyi showed some resistance with a modest 12 runs, as the Trekkers’ bowlers turned up the pressure.
With 15 extras contributing to the total, Bujjagali could muster only 66 for 8 in their allotted 20
overs a score well below par for a championship final.
Trekkers’ Chase: Calm, Collapse, and a Clutch Finish
Sippi Trekkers began their chase cautiously but confidently.
Leila Nalukenge’s steady 19 and a composed 22* from Jimia Abdallah Muhammed had the
game seemingly wrapped up at 62/1.
But the 17th over brought chaos.
Malisa Ariokot, out of nowhere, produced a spell straight out of a cricketing fairytale five wickets in one over, including a sensational hat-trick.
The Rafters, backed by Ariokot’s brilliance (4-0-12-5), suddenly saw a flicker of hope. From 62/1, the Trekkers had crumbled to 66/6.
In response, Itanda’s chase was powered by a blistering 59 off 35 balls from Rita Musamali, with Naome
Mbwali adding 34.
But the Kayakers stumbled at the finish line, falling short by 15 runs. Mbabazi starred again, this time with
the ball claiming 3/16 in a match-winning all-round performance.
Voices from the Tournament Organisers Reflecting on the tournament, Richard Okia, Head of High Performance, praised the quality of play over the intense seven-day competition.
“It’s been a fantastic week of cricket and a milestone that we are proud of at High Performance While some players couldn’t participate due to school commitments, especially those in candidate classes, the growth among young players was clear.
We’ve also seen our senior players, particularly from the Victoria Pearls, stepping up not just to win games but to mentor the next generation.”
He added that such tournaments are vital for nurturing young talent and promised more competitive
opportunities in the near future.
Looking Ahead
While Bujjagali Rafters will rue their final-day collapse, their unbeaten run in the group stages was commendable.
As for the Trekkers, their journey marked by resilience, leadership, and last-over nerves ended in
triumph.
In the end, cricket won
The fans were treated to thrilling finishes, breakout performances, and a new champion crowned Sippi
Trekkers, who proved that it’s not how you start, but how you finish.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Bowler- Malisa Arikot (14 Wickets, Best Bowling Figures 5/12) Bujjagali Rafters
Best Batter- Rita Musamali (237 runs, Highest Score 64) Itanda Kayakers
MVP- immaculate Nakisuyi (272 points) Bujjagali Rafters