Having been informed of an early departure for the festival, alarms were set bright and early. The team came down for breakfast in drips and drabs, but by some miracle everyone was on the team bus on time for the 9.15am departure to Arua Hill primary school, where today’s festival was being held.
Having dropped everyone at the ground, Uganda cricket legend Grace went to collect two more schools for the mornings event. On return the bus looked like a tin of sardines, somehow managing to cram 52 kids on it.
With the cricket finally underway featuring two groups of three teams, and the CWB team assisting teachers with umpiring and scoring, the field became a sea of colour, noise and enthusiasm. Some of the talent on show was unbelievable, so much so Colin tried offering some lads a contract back at home in district cricket!
After a close round robin stage, we had our finalists who were Anyafio primary and Onzivu primary. With some big hitting, brilliant bowling and fantastic fielding Anyafio ended up as well deserved winners, but a great time was had by all!
A presentation then followed, with each team receiving CWB shirts and wristbands along with some tennis balls for the school. The winners Anyafio primary, led by teacher Mr Godi, received a kit bag full of Kwik Cricket kit, while teachers were given a new cricket shirt each.
With a takeaway lunch of sandwiches ordered back at the hotel, it was a quick dash back to collect suitcases, before we hit the road (again) for the 375km drive down to Lira. Lets just say the sandwiches were “standard” and some of the group not impressed about having the bread toasted.
The journey too Lira was quick and easy (a full 5 hours), with a quick toilet stop at what can only be described as a dirty alley way. With the team getting hungry a old sticky bag of Hairbo’s were produced, with everyone having to take a bit out of the bag with the sweets all stuck together. Having arrived at Gracious Palace, a fine buffet was served much to everybody’s delight. This was then followed by a few drinks (non-alcoholic) due to the hotels no alcohol rule before retiring to bed, ready for tomorrow’s events.
Hi everyone. I've just caught up on all the blogs. Sounds like you are having fun, doing really well but are hungry. The festival sounds great and I bet the teacher was eased with the kit. Last full day today? I can't remember when you're home but go for it, whatever it is! 🙂
Pleased with the kit!