The Victoria Pearls finished second at the ninth edition of the Kwibuka Tournament that was held in Kigali. The five nation tournament featured hosts Rwanda, Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria and Uganda.
The Victoria Pearls handed debuts Lorna Anyait a young off spinner from Soroti and Malisa Ariokot an all rounder from Soroti both of whom had been part of the U-19 girls team that played the qualifiers last year. Jimia Mohamad was back in the team since she made her debut last year and she was the back up wicket keeper to Kevin Awino.
The teams played a double round robin format with the Victoria Pearls winning seven of their eight group games, the single failure coming against Nigeria in a dead rubber but historic for the West Africans who defeated Uganda for the 1st time.
In the final the Victoria Pearls failed to overcome a very confident home side scoring a paltry 66 all out in the final, the batting that had been a problem the whole tournament coming to haunt them in the final.
There was little trouble for the hosts knocking off the requirement as they clinched their maiden Kwibuka title in front of a passionate crowd.
Three players from the Victoria Pearls were selected to be part of the women's elite league in Rwanda, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi and Patricia Malemikia were chosen as Uganda's representatives.
Lorna Anyait won the best fielder award at the tournament to cap an amazing debut for the youngster. Captain Consy Aweko was selected as the Captain of the team of the tournament, Evelyn Anyipo, Stephanie Nampiina and Irene Alumo were the other Ugandan's on the team of the tournament.