Uganda finally clicks

Jun 22, 2005

They say it always pays to take professional advice. Well Uganda took good advice on Monday from David Trist, former New Zealand national cricket coach and Uganda looked a different team here yesterday, beating a strong school invitation XI by seven wickets.

By Trevor Dudley
in Cheltenham, England

Cheltenham College 127
Uganda 129-3
Uganda won by 7 wickets
Today: Uganda v Derbyshire

They say it always pays to take professional advice. Well Uganda took good advice on Monday from David Trist, former New Zealand national cricket coach and Uganda looked a different team here yesterday, beating a strong school invitation XI by seven wickets.

Legendary cricketer, Dr W. G. Grace of Gloucestershire used to play on this wicket over 100 years ago and he would also have been impressed with the way Uganda demolished stiff opposition that included seasoned professionals.

With Gloucestershire opening batsman Nick Trainer looking good from the outset, a big score looked likely, but superb bowling from Kenneth Kamyuka (2-9) and Junior Kwebiha (3-10) ripped through the other batsmen. Only Trainer (62) and Mason (35) put up resistance as Cheltenham struggled to 127 all out in 37.3 overs out of the allotted 40 overs.

At long last the Uganda batsmen, having listened to coach Trist, played sensibly. Benjamin Musoke made a patient 48 not out, backed up with 38 from Lawrence Ssematimba and 15 from Nehal Bibodi.

Uganda wrapped up the game with 6 overs at hand and 7 wickets to spare.

The team will need to maintain this momentum if they are to succeed in the Mini World Cup in Ireland next week.

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