First semifinal
- Light SS: 47/9 in 20 Overs
- Sacred Heart SS: 45/10 in 18.1 Overs
- Light SS won by 2 runs
Second semifinal
- Masaka SS: 55/7 in 20 Overs
- Olila H/S: 56/0 in 10.0 Overs
- Olila H/S won by 10 wickets
Defending champions Light Secondary School have booked their ticket to a second consecutive Girls Schools Cricket Week final after a tense two-run victory over Sacred Heart SS in a low-scoring semifinal on Saturday at Gulu High School.
The win not only cements their dominance but also sets up a tantalizing rematch of the 2024 final against regional rivals Olila High School who eased past Masaka SS by 10 wickets in the other semifinal.
In a game defined by nerves and grit rather than flair, Light SS were pushed to the edge by a resilient Sacred Heart bowling unit.
Sent in to bat first, the defending champions stumbled to 47 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a devastating spell from Petra Akidi (4/17) and support from Ritah Amono (3/18). Only Judith Iroo (11*) stood firm for Light as wickets tumbled around her.
The Sacred Heart bowlers were ruthless, with three Light batters falling for ducks and only two players crossing five runs. It was a disciplined, clinical bowling performance but Light SS’s pedigree would soon shine in the second innings.
Defending just 47, Light came out with fierce intent. Judith Iroo turned the game on its head with a spell of 4-1-7-2, including the key wicket of top-scorer Anek Patricia (13).
Misheal Ariago, the Light captain, made up for her batting struggles with two crucial wickets, including the final scalp to end the chase at 45 in 18.1 overs.
The turning point was Sacred Heart’s own collapse under pressure. Openers Aiko Beatrice and Amono Ritah were both run out for ducks, triggering a top-order crisis that saw the scoreboard stagnate.
Though they came within two runs of victory, it was Light’s composure and tactical fielding that saw them home.
With this win, Light SS head to yet another Soroti derby final against Olila High School, a repeat of last year’s nail-biting showdown, where Light prevailed by just three runs.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the reigning champions look to etch their name in the history books with a second title.
The grand final promises fireworks as the two Soroti giants collide once again, this time with both history and regional pride on the line.
Final Preview:
- Light SS vs Olila High School
- Venue: Gulu
- Date: Saturday, May 11
- Time: 2 PM
