By Wycliffe Kirunda
St. Joseph’s College Layibi have been crowned champions of the inaugural North edition Batball championship.
The two-day tournament that kicked off on March 4, 2023 and ended on Sunday March 5, 2023 was played in a 10 overs a side format and saw nine games being played with five and four games on the first and second day respectively.
“I will continue to welcome the cricket game at St. Joseph’s College Layibi and also encourage the players to take part in every competition that benefits them,” said an official from St. Joseph’s College Layibi who preferred anonymity.
The biggest percentage of the players are under 15 years and according to one of the organizers, this tournament could be a game changer.
“There is a lot in stock for these little ones, as Batball Open North Edition will be a tournament that will go on to happen every year,” Martin Ondeko, one of the organizers said.
This edition was intended to create awareness for the increasing number of gender-based violence in Gulu and most parts of northern Uganda.
The focus now shifts to Batball Open Central Edition (forth regional tournament) in this month that will see the same format and age group compete as all the games will be live on Batball TV.
Individual winners
Best fielder- Okot Kofi Anon (Ocwak)
Best wicketkeeper- Brian Owanchgio(Agak)
Best Bowler- Bua Daniel (Okwik)
Best Batter- Ocitti Santos (Ocwak)
Player of tournament- Rubangakene Daniel Alex (Agak)
Summary of day one results
Agak won by 7 wickets against Tula
Okwik won by 24 runs against Ocwak
Agak won by 10 wickets against Ocwak
Tula won by 2 runs against Okwik
Agak won by 9 wickets against Okwik
Day two results
Ocwak won by 14 runs against Tula
Ocwak won by 9 runs over Tula (4th and 3rd playoff)
Okwik won by 6 runs against Ocwak(2nd and 3rd playoffs)
Agak won by 9 wicket against Okwik(Final)
