Kamuda, Nakatunya scoop maiden titles

Champions. Kamuda Riders, led by their star player Proscovia Alako (holding trophy), were crowned winners of the carnival’s girls category by the Teso Queens on December 21.

It was a day of new highs at Soroti Rugby Grounds when Soroti Cricket Academy (SCA) hosted the second edition of the Soroti Cricket Carnival on December 21.
The inaugural finalists played second fiddle with new champions – Nakatunya Titans and Kamuda Riders - emerging in the respective boys and girls categories.
Cosmas Kyewuta and Emmanuel Hasahya, who scooped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade, were the heroes for Nakatunya as they breezed past Aloet by 2 wickets in the thrilling men’s final. Derrick Bakunzi and Simon Okecho helped Aloet set 52 runs in the allotted 6 overs but Hasahya, in particular, wreaked havoc with the bat to help his team over the line with just two balls remaining.

Girl power
In the ladies final, Proscovia Alako was on fire with three monstrous sixes out of the park as Kamuda Riders set 40 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 5 overs. Senior Quarters Lions ran out of time and fell short of the required target by 8 runs despite mention-worthy contributions from Christine Anayo and Mildred Anyigo.
Nakatunya and Kamuda celebrated their maiden titles late into the night but the day was more than just about them with SCA toasting to its fifth year in existence.
Miss Tourism Uganda first runner-up Prossy Agwang and the current Miss Tourism Teso 2019/2020 Kelsy Amaikori graced the event and helped raise the profile of the annual event. Their speeches, too, left an indelible mark on the lives of the youth in Teso region. “This edition was a big success. We thank everyone that supported this cause,” said SCA chairman Felix Musana.

“Special applause to Uganda Cricket Association for their timely support and all those that bought our T-shirts. Soroti is slowly becoming a powerhouse in cricket.
“The presence of the beauty queens helped inspire and empower our academy especially the girls. Many of them will also now want to live responsible lives and grow up into role models,” Musana told Daily Monitor.

Star-studded affair
A host of Kampala-based players; Calvin Watuwa, Jimmy Atuhairwe, Naomi Kayondo, Claire Mushakamba, Damalie Businge and Lady Cricket Cranes captain Kevin Awino wowed the fans with their soft-on-the-eye skills. The deejays; Alza, Nyowe, Don Mericon and Zilo Dee, too, had their ‘A’ games on - staying on their turn tables until the wee hours.

2019 Soroti Cricket Carnival
Boys final
Aloet Warriors 52/4
Nakatunya Titans 53/4
Nakatunya Titans won by 2 wickets
Girls final
Kamuda Riders 40/1
Senior Quarters Lions 32/4
Kamuda Riders won by 8 runs
2018 Champions
Boys: Aloet Warriors
Girls: Nakatunya Titans