War Wounded Academy Clinch Western Rural Criiio Cup Title

In a masterclass of school-level cricket, War Wounded Academy has been crowned champions of the Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) Western Rural Inter-School Criiio Cup. 

The Academy secured the title following a commanding 37-run victory over rivals Go Flames, punctuating a tournament that showcased the rising standard of the sport in the region.

The final began with Go Flames winning the toss and electing to field, a tactical move intended to pressure the Academy’s batting lineup. However, War Wounded Academy responded with clinical efficiency. In a blistering five-over innings, the eventual champions amassed an imposing 69 runs for the loss of only a single wicket, setting a formidable target and seizing the momentum early in the contest.

Go Flames’ pursuit of the 70-run target never truly found its rhythm. Stifled by disciplined bowling and a tight fielding unit, they were restricted to a mere 33 runs for the loss of four wickets across their five overs. The resulting 37-run margin of victory reflected the Academy’s superiority in all departments of the game.

This championship victory is the culmination of an intensive competitive cycle featuring eight local schools. The success of the festival is a testament to the infrastructure provided by 40 dedicated cricket development officers, whose expertise was visible in the technical quality of the participating teams.

Individual excellence was also celebrated during the post-match honors. 

Mary Sama of RCE Upper Primary School, Jui, earned the Best Bowler distinction for her consistency. However, the day belonged to the Academy's Sarah Mansaray, who swept the individual accolades. Mansaray was named both Best Batter and Most Valuable Player (MVP), a fitting recognition for her pivotal role in her school's championship run.

The Western Rural programme, a cornerstone of Cricket Sierra Leone's outreach, successfully engaged over 3,000 girls, mirroring the high participation rates seen in the previous Western Urban edition. This surge in interest underscores a growing appetite for the game among young female athletes.

Looking ahead, Cricket Sierra Leone is set to expand these celebrations to five additional districts as part of the ICC Women's Cricket Week. This ongoing initiative continues to solidify the foundation for women's cricket, ensuring that the sport's growth is both sustainable and national in scope.