It has been quite an enthralling year on the oval world over. So many things to remember, good memories and of course the unexpected short comings came through the past year.
Heard of ABBA’s song – the winner takes it all? That’s what would play for Benjamin Musoke on any day of 2012. He was the best of all. No doubt despite there being a lot left for Uganda to ponder ahead of the new year.
Action on the willows, deliveries at the line and all that happened left at least a statement somewhere for the gentleman’s game.
Aside from Warriors winning the East Africa T20 Premier League and the U-19 girls lifting the ICC Africa T20 showpiece, there was not much to celebrate beyond the borders and internationally.
The men’s senior national team picked two wins from their first two rubbers at the ICC Global T20 World Cup qualifiers but the Davis Karashani-led team ended up finishing 14th out of 16 teams in Dubai back in March.
They were far way from qualification to join other sides in Sri Lanka for the tourney in the summer. And West Indies went ahead to lift the trophy.
That was not all, the women’s senior side were left in pieces after falling three times and winning just two at the ICC Africa Regional Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Henry Okecho’s charges were never in touching distance of a slot to Ireland for the global qualifiers after the eight-run loss to hosts Tanzania in their opener.
And it will always throw the light back to the missing senior players in Mary Nanderenga, Stella Atim, Mackenzie Ayato and Christine Aryemo. Not forgetting the sister trio of Justine Musubika, Hellen Naudo and Betty Kalende.
Despite the changes in leadership just days to the city in the southern hemisphere, new skipper Naomi Kayondo did not find the winning start in Dar es Salaam.
Back home, local body Uganda Cricket Association, with a new boss in Richard Mwami, they secured sponsorship deals from Pepsi, Multiple Industries and the biggest of all from Mehta Group.
And this had an effect to an extent on the level of the game among the local sides in the different competitions.
Jinja SS defeated Gayaza High by eight wickets to lift the Girls’ Cricket Week while Kololo SS gunned down nemesis Busoga College Mwiri to walk away with the boys’ crown.
Charity Trust Fund retained the pride in the women’s competitions. With Flavia Laker’s control and Barbara Mukankusi’s experience with the bat and gloves behind the stumps, they retained the 50-over league and latter defended the T20 Mehta Premier League.
For the men, it was all a Tornado show. They first settled to win the T20 National League after defeating a youthful Charity side despite senior players Frank Nsubuga, Arthur Kyobe and Benjamin Musoke being away in Dubai nine months ago.
The latter remains the year’s best after he singly led Tornado to the 50-over league men’s Division One title, their first since 2009 back in October.
He stroked a half ton of 73 runs off 88 balls to lead Tornado to a two-wicket victory over Wanderers in the decider.
Incredible suff from the 36-year-old. Musoke had ended his season with a total of 345 runs, four wickets and five catches in the outfield for Tornado.
Musoke’s long wait paid off after he was named 2012 Multiple Industries Division I League most valuable player (MVP) at the league awards held Oasis Restaurant, Lugogo
That was not enough, his contribution to the national team, club and the Warriors’ side totalled to over 800 runs.
Tornado B took the second Division’s top honours.
2012 Cricket review: Musoke wins it all
