Innocent Ndawula
29 May 2011
The pick of today’s match ups will be one no pundit could have ever envisaged. Newly promoted Charity square off against Tornado with the former hoping to maintain its momentum whereas the latter are in need for a change in fortunes.
Tornado are arguably most decorated local team and can be match-up nightmares on their day. But such dominant days seem to be like distant dreams now and although it is early days, their bearings are coming off faster than everyone expected.
Two games apiece
Both sides Charity and Tornado have played two games apiece but whereas the former have grit out hard-earned victories, the latter have unbelievably failed to put any resistance.
Charity are in fourth place with 11 points whereas Tornado are at the bottom with no point thus making today’s Division I clash at Lugogo a must watch for all fans.
The new signing of 2010 Cricketer of the Year Lawrence Ssematimba didn’t save them a routing as the flashy opening batsman was sent packing for zero during that 176-run loss to Patidar Samaj three weeks ago.
But with the return of Benjamin Musoke, a classy veteran with proven match-winning abilities, Charity have their work cut out as they seek their third successive victory.
Charity’s victories this far have been won defending small totals (121 against KICC and 114 versus Tornado B) and they will need their batsmen to relieve some of the burden off their bowlers. Coach-player Davis Turinawe, fresh from a coaching stint with the Rwanda national side, will gladly open the innings, keep the wickets and plot the downfall of his former side Tornado.
“We must maintain. The team did well in my absentia and we must continue the hard work,” said Turinawe after Friday’s nets session. “Tornado are a very experienced side and they have some good players but my team is full of energy. It will be an interesting game.”
It will be a battle of second versus third when KICC take on star-studded Patidar Samaj in the other topflight clash.
National Cricket League
Today’s fixtures (10 am)
Charity v Tornado (Lugogo)
KICC v Patidar (Entebbe)
Division II
MAK v ACC (Budo)
JICC v Mwiri (Jinja)
SKLPS v Warriors (Kya’go)
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
Uganda: Unbeaten Charity Look to Prolong Tornado’s Winless Streak