After three days introducing cricket to schools in Bukedea, they were all invited to their first taste of competition at our Festival, and it wasn’t just the students who stepped up. Part of the training we gave their teachers was some advice on how to improvise equipment. Stephen from Kachede Primary was clearly paying attention, and did us proud – he went home and made a wooden bat for his team.
Early rain clouds on the horizon thankfully passed us by, the sun came out, and we were treated to some clean hitting, athletic fielding, and enthusiastic support from team mates and particularly teachers. We had an anxious moment when a player got injured, but our Holly stepped in to do a bit more doctoring, and all was well. Malera Kabara Seed dominated the secondary competition, but the primary schools fought out a tight final, decided by just 3 runs, with Okungoro coming out on top.
There was more excitement at the presentations, as each player took home a cool pair of Northern Superchargers shades.
With the schools safely on their way home, time for the team to relax, and the eagerly awaited race between local coaches Tembo and Manny. It was heading for a close finish, but Tembo surged ahead across the line, leaving Manny clutching a pulled muscle and nursing wounded pride and an ice pack.
Bukedea has been incredible, with almost every school embracing a new opportunity. The teachers are resourceful and full of enthusiasm, and will now get more support with access to coaching. Tonight we’re all gathered round a mobile phone to watch the England World Cup game, but tomorrow we’re looking forward to starting work in and around Kumi.
Ali
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