Uganda riots

 Sematimba century spurs Under 19s to big victory By Ronnie Kintu Uganda 356 for 8 in 50 overs; West Africa 77 all out in 33.5 overs LAWRENCE Sematimba struck his first international century that propelled Uganda to a massive 279 runs against West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia) in the opening match of the ICC Africa under 19 tournament at Lugogo yesterday. Opening for the side the right hand batsman clubbed a chanceless 135 off 138 balls coloured with 18 fours and a big six before he was bowled out by leg spinner S. Animashau (4/67) in the 30th over. "I was enjoying the game and my aim was to play for the 50 overs," said the sorbing vice captain Sematimba. The prodigy batted cautiously hitting balls with mounting authority and displaying fine shots before a packed audience after the early loss of Edward Musenze (04) and I. Thawithemwira (00) in first three overs. Sematimba took any loose ball to the boundary and notched the fastest half-century in the first 30 minutes of the game stepping up the run rate to 9.8 in the first ten overs. Uganda at one time had 187 for a loss of five wickets in 25 overs after S. Animasau had dismissed captain Kenneth Kamyuka (24). A century partnership from the eighth wicket stand of Chris Engola (46 no) and Richard Okia (50 no) brought back the hopes of the collapsing team. The duo shifted the score from 252 in the 34th over to 356 in the last one. In response the opponents managed a modest 77 runs before they were all dismissed by pace bowlers Engola (4/18), Okia (3/18) and Kamyuka (2 for 15). Spin bowler Sematimba picked one vital wicket and took a good catch that made him man-of-the-match. Coach William Kamanyi should have realised the weak points of the youngsters after they almost failed to play the allotted 50 overs - a problem with the batting. It would have been the other way round had Uganda been the one chasing. Today, Uganda take on the East and Central Africa (ECCAC) cricket team at Kyambogo while Namibia plays West Africa at Lugogo. Ends.