Light Secondary School defeated Olila High School by seven wickets to win the Eastern Region Girls’ Schools Cricket Week Qualifiers 2026 final in Soroti.
Chasing 63 at Soroti City Oval, Light SS reached 63 for 3 in 17.2 overs to seal victory and lift the regional title, avenging an earlier group-stage loss to Olila and repeating their 2024 triumph.
Olila, long considered a regional powerhouse, were bowled out for 62 in 18.4 overs after Light SS opted to field first. Lucky Agwang and Devine Gabriella Nyamer top-scored with 14 runs each, but the innings never gathered momentum against a disciplined bowling attack.
Zita Acan and Sarah Tino took two wickets apiece, with Teddy Anyait and Ritah Alio providing support to keep Olila under sustained pressure.
Light SS managed the chase with composure. Ritah Alio made 18 and Susan Akidi added 16 to steady the innings before Ruth Kulume’s unbeaten 16 guided the side home alongside Joyce Mary Arugo.
Nyamer impressed with an all-round display, claiming three wickets to keep Olila in contention. Her effort earned her the Player of the Match award despite the defeat.
The result secured qualification for both finalists to the national championships. Soroti SS will face Bishop Maraka College in a third-place playoff at Madera Ground, with the winner taking the region’s final slot.
Eastern Regional Development Officer Emmanuel Isaanez praised the standard of competition, saying: “It is truly inspiring to witness the remarkable talent and enthusiasm displayed by these young girls representing their schools at the regional level. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship reflect the growing strength of girls’ cricket in the Eastern region and beyond.
“Tournaments like these create memories that will last a lifetime and nurture a new generation of cricket ambassadors for their schools and communities.
“Light SS and Olila High School have consistently performed at a high level, and tomorrow Soroti SS and Bishop Maraka College will compete for the third qualifying spot.
“As the Regional Development Officer, I am committed to expanding the scope of cricket activities, introducing the sport to more districts and schools, and raising the standard of competition so that future tournaments will be even bigger and more exciting.”
Light SS will now head to the nationals aiming to replicate their previous success, having last lifted the national crown when they qualified as regional champions.
