The three-year patience finally paid off and Mukono Parents School finally emerged champions of the Pepsi Schools’ Cricket Week that ended on Friday. Mukono, two-time semi-finalists in the last two years, put up a commendable performance to defeat 2002 winners Jinja SS by 53 runs at Lugogo Oval to claim their maiden trophy. “We are delighted and I am overwhelmed,” Mukono Parents captain Lawrence Ssempijja told Kawowo Sports after showcasing class in the one-week event. “We worked our way to the top and we deserve to toast to this success,”Prior to the start of the 12-team tournament, Mukono and Jinja were never contenders for a final but many pundits had given them a chance to make the last four. At the semi-finals, the two sides changed the script. Mukono defeated holders and favourites Kololo SS by 53 runs while Jinja eliminated Fort Portal’s Nyakasura by 73 runs.
After those Thursday results, Mukono and Jinja were yet to concede defeat. Hence the former’s victory meant they won the coveted prize unbeaten. And many thought Jinja would have opted to bat after they had won the toss. “I trusted my bowling and fielding units so we were ready for any challenge,” Jinja SS coach Habibu Mugalula defended their decision. “But I am pleased that the boys have performed well. We’ll try and raise the bar higher next year.” Mugalula added. There were dropped catches before Mukono proceeded to set 139 for 5. The eventual winners were left 4-1 after they lost opener Collin Jalan for just a single run.
As fumbling surfaced among Jinja fielders and as the bowlers oozed 30 extras to the score board, Mukono opener Simon Ssesaazi struck six fours and three sixes to make a half-ton of 78* off 60 balls. His elder brother and captain Lawrence Ssempijja added 11 off 21 balls. In the second innings, Ssesaazi picked 3/13 while Ssempijja claimed two victims as Jinja batsmen were suffocated to end on 86 for 8 after the overs. Opener and tournament best bowler Calvin Watuwa made 22 off 37 while Sadam Oyaga made three fours and two sixes to top score with 32 off 34.
2013 PEPSI SCHOOLS CRICKET WEEK Final Result – Mukono Parents 139/5 Jinja SS 86/8.
INDIVIDUAL HONOURS
Best Wicket Keeper – Maulik Patel (Aga Khan) – 9 dismissals
Best Fielder – Gerald Asiku (Nyakasura School) – 8 dismissals
Best Bowler – Calvin Watuwa (Jinja SS) – 15 wickets
Best Batsman – Derrick Bakunzi (Mukono Parents) – 245 runs
Player of the Series – Simon Ssesaazi (Mukono Parents) – 279 runs & 15 wickets