12 November 2013


The MCC tour party to Uganda, captained by Arfan Akram (Wanstead & Snaresbrook CC), returned with a reinforced belief that cricket standards there continued to rise, as indicated by their hosts' unexpected advance to the final ICC World Cup qualifying tournament next January in New Zealand.

A strong MCC group played four matches in Uganda and lost twice before a visit to Rwanda rounded off their 13-day trip. Adjusting to slow pitches in Kampala proved to be a problem as they suffered a two-run defeat against a Uganda XI at Entebbe Oval and lost a Twenty20 game by eight wickets in humiliating fashion at Lugogo Oval.

The visit to Rwanda left an especially strong impression. Will Roe wrote in his blog: "There have been moments when cricket has seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of things. One Rwandan player told me that he used to be one of eight children, but after the genocide in 1994, he became one of three."

"However, the place that cricket holds in both Ugandan and Rwandan minds is special. Players, coaches, spectators and scorers have all asked that MCC return to East Africa as soon as possible. They relish the challenge to play the club and the Spirit of Cricket has been there for all to see during the tour. For many cricket has changed their life and MCC's tour has been one of inspiration."

The tourists gave coaching and donated equipment to the Rwandans. Speaking after the match, a one-sided victory, tour manager David Otway commented: "Even just the few hours when we were coaching, in front of our eyes we could see how much the Rwandan players were improving. It's humbling to see players from this part of the world being so enthusiastic and open to us coming and coaching them. I believe cricket in Rwanda, and Uganda, has a very bright future."

The MCC had enjoyed two relatively recent tours to Uganda in 2005 and 2008. During the 2005 visit funding was granted to develop the facilities and lay a grass wicket at the Kyambogo Oval ground.

This was the venue for the opening match, a draw with Ugandan Cricket Association XI in a rain-hit two-day fixture. Fast bowler Chad Barrett (Radlett CC) provided the tour highlight with 6-33 in sweltering heat to reduce Uganda to 67-9 before a recovery to 127. Rain dominated after the MCC had been skittled for 102 in reply.

MCC came up agonisingly short in a 50-over match at the picturesque Entebbe Oval on the outskirts of Kampala. Having restricted the Uganda XI to 206-7, with spinner Clinton Perren taking 3-16, MCC finished on 204-9 to the delight of the Ugandan spectators and players in a serene setting flanked on all sides by an idyllic golf course.

Selowa Mukobe (58) and Richard Okia (46 not out) batted well against tight MCC bowling without grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck, but in reply the MCC were reminded how strong the Ugandans were in bowling. Perren (42) and fellow Australian Dean Morrison (35) batted steadily, but the MCC lost wickets fell at regular intervals. A ninth-wicket stand between Barrett (22) and Paul Carter (27 not) revived the contest until Barrett's dismissal left six runs needed off the last two balls.

In their 20-over match against Uganda the MCC were restricted to 93-6 on an awkard Lugogo pitch. Tom Cox (25 not out) and Paul Carter (21) both batted well as schoolchildren, who had been playing cricket beforehand on the outfield, watched from the stands. Uganda made light work of their target, as Arthur Kyobe (51)and Arthur Ziraba (32 not out) smashed their way to victory in only 10.5 overs.

Arfan Akram (capt, Wanstead & Snaresbrook CC)

Chad Barrett (Radlett CC)

Joseph Barrs (Saffron Walden CC)

Paul Carter (Cardiff CC)

Thomas Cox (Shrewsbury CC)

David Cranfield-Thompson (High Wycombe CC)

James Irvine-Fortescue (Brook CC)

Rupert Kitzinger (Bramhall CC)

Dean Morrison (Springfield CC)

James Overy (Brondesbury CC)

Clinton Perren (Littleborough CC)

James Wood (Richmond CC)

Manager: David Otway

Umpire: Neil Bainton