The 2026 SkyView Boys’ Schools Cricket Week got underway on Sunday in Fort Portal with a shocker after Jinja SS, one of the tournament favorites, lost their opener.
Four-time champions Jinja SS suffered the first upset of the tournament, falling by 6 runs to Soroti SS in a nail-biting encounter.
After bundling out their opponents for 79, the 2024 champions began their chase positively. However, they were unable to cross the finish line, thanks to Daniel Ecweru, who picked up four wickets in the last three overs.
Jinja SS needed 11 runs in those final overs but managed only four, with Ecweru proving to be the predator. The former champions now need to win all their remaining games if they are to make it out of Group C and into the Super Eight.
Across five grounds, the tournament bowled off a historic 20-team edition, the first of its kind. Philemon Rwothomio made an early bid for bowler of the tournament with a remarkable display against St. Cornelius, as hosts Nyakasura cruised to an 8-wicket victory in Group C.
Rwothomio recorded an outstanding economy rate of 0.55 while taking 4 wickets, ensuring his side bowled out the debutants for just 48 runs. The hosts chased down the target in six overs, with Rwothomio leading the bat as well, scoring 26 off 19 balls.
Lango College’s Emmanuel Ogwang scored the first half-century of the tournament as they defeated Kasese SS by 112 runs in their Group D opener. Ogwang, who was also instrumental with the ball by taking three wickets, scored an unbeaten 54 as Lango set a target of 150 to take the top spot in Group D.
At the Nyakasura venue, Goodheart SS were unable to capitalize on their decision to field first, falling by 14 runs to Yusuf Nanga’s Masaka SS.
Goodheart restricted Masaka to 86 in the allotted 17 overs, but despite a good start, failed to reach the target. Masaka now leads Group B, with the remaining group teams scheduled to play in the afternoon.
The second-biggest win of the morning saw Kiira College Butiki comfortably defeat Shree Sahajanand School Uganda in a 66-run victory. Facing a side considered decent in Group A, Kiira secured their win with ease.
The team drew inspiration from Muhaisin Tambulira and Gideon Outeke, who scored 41 off 45 and 43 off 31 respectively to post a target of 144. Shree’s chase ended in the 15th over when they were bowled out for 78.
Morning Game Results:
St. Cornelius: 48/10 | Nyakasura: 49/2 (Nyakasura won by 8 wickets)
Lango College: 150/6 | Kasese SS: 38/10 (Lango College won by 112 runs)
Soroti SS: 79/10 | Jinja SS: 73/10 (Soroti SS won by 6 runs)
Masaka SS: 86/9 | Goodheart SS: 72/7 (Masaka SS won by 14 runs)
Kiira College: 144/5 | Shree: 78/10 (Kiira College won by 66 runs)
