It is quite clear Tornado B’s celebrations after seeing off a stubborn Charity Trust Fund were much envied by Tornado players who had watched the tie’s decisive moments at Kyambogo Oval last Sunday.
That seven-run victory spurred Lawrence Ssematimba’s 111-ball 91 knock kept unbeaten Tornado B firm in top spot on 61 points from 11 outings.
And needing just a win from their last three games, the men in green and orange colours could seal the title on Sunday if they beat hosts Rounders at Jinja SS Oval.
That’s irrespective of the result from the lakeside oval in Entebbe where holders and second-placed Tornado (45) play Patidar Samaj.
“After last Sunday’s win, we claimed a firm grip of the title,” an anxious Tornado B skipper Jeremy Kibuukamusoke told Kawowo Sports early this week.
While his players like Roger Mukasa, Patrick Ochan and Charles Waiswa will be setting off for Dubai’s ICC Global Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers, Kibuukamusoke hopes Ssematimba and opener Nicholas Kebba to bolster his batting unit.
“We’ll miss them but the entire team is in good stead and we are already putting the champagne on the ice come Sunday (today),” he said. “If Ssematimba does well like last weekend, we’ll leave Jinja as champions.”
But even before Kibuukamusoke’s opposite sets off for the tough Middle East job, Tornado skipper Frank Nsubuga has already conceded a failed title-defence mission.
“The trophy is already gone,” the leading bowler with 26 wickets said. “Our side is going to miss key players away in Dubai so it will be hard to topple Tornado B.”
In Nsubuga, Arthur Kyobe, Richard Okia and Raymond Otim’s absence, players like Grace Mutyagaba, Abubaker Seguya and Deus Muhumuza will be tasked to give the side a decent finish during their last four games.
MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES CRICKET LEAGUE SUNDAY’S FIXTURES
(9.30am) At Entebbe Oval Tornado vs. Patidar Samaj
At Jinja SS Oval Rounders vs. Tornado B DIVISION II
At Budo Oval ACC vs. Makerere (Morning)
KICC vs. Makerere (Afternoon)