The Victoria Pearls barely beat PNG, winning by four runs after a tough comeback by their opponents. It was a close one!

Uganda won the coin toss and chose to bat first, marking the first time they set the score in this tourney.

The team, with the same lineup, started stable, scoring 5 without losing a player in the first part.

Coming off an early win, Papua New Guinea Women faced the Victoria Pearls, who were feeling the heat after a tough loss to Namibia.

PNG: Strong Team

Papua New Guinea Women came into the contest as the favourites from Oceania, and their initial win against Thailand proved why.

PNG has a great fielding team, which is a big help because saving runs can really change the game.

With two points from one game, PNG wants to stay near the top and show they can win the whole thing.

For the Victoria Pearls, this game was a must-win. After losing to Scotland by 15 runs, their second game against Namibia was a heartbreaker, exposing the team's weak batting.

Namibia vs. Uganda: A Loss in Bangkok

Uganda captain Janet Mbabazi won the toss and decided to field, holding Namibia to 83/8 because of good bowling from Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Sarah Akiteng, and Malisa Ariokot.

Uganda seemed ready to win at 49/2, with Nakisuuyi (17) and Esther Iloku (15) keeping things steady.

But Leigh-Marie Visser, in her first game, had a great spell, taking 3 wickets for just 10 runs and destroying Uganda's middle order, with help from Mekelaye Mwatile.

Bul's transition from a mediocre team to a force to be reckoned with has been gradual, not sudden. Now, they've achieved what every club dreams of: a spot in the competition's records.

They've come close before, finishing second to Villa by just one point in 2023/24 and taking third place behind NEC and Vipers last season.

Starting December 14, 2024, the Jinja side went on a 25-game unbeaten streak, setting a new standard in local football recently.

This streak included 15 wins and 10 draws, with the team scoring 36 goals and only allowing 12.

That amazing run ended on Thursday when Kitara beat Bul 1-0, thanks to Jimmy Kalema's goal in the 11th minute in Hoima. But before that loss, here's how Bul built their streak.

The journey began last December with a 1-1 draw against Vipers. Interestingly, Bul also ended the Vipers’ own 31-match home unbeaten run in 2023 with a thrilling 3-2 win.

They've earned points in all kinds of ways: tough draws against Nec and Express, solid home wins against Maroons, and a hard-fought 3-2 comeback win at UPDF.

They've had dominant home performances, like the 4-0 win over Lugazi and the 3-0 victory against Mbale Heroes.

They've won at tough places like Wakiso, defeated rivals such as Vipers, Kitara, and SC Villa, and stayed focused in tight games where concentration was key.

Solid Defense

Their defence has been strong, led by goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, who played in 17 of the 18 matches and kept 10 clean sheets before leaving the club. Tom Ikara, his replacement, has stepped up this season, playing all six games so far with four clean sheets and only two goals conceded.

In front of them, Bul has relied on a consistent backline.

Captain Walter Ochora and Nicholas Mwere only missed games due to suspensions. Mwere played 16 of the 25 games, and Ochora played 14.

Hillary Onek has been incredibly reliable, missing only one match in the entire 25-game run, providing stability to the team.

Consistent Midfield

The midfield has been equally consistent. Pascal Ngobi and Martin Aprem have played in 20 matches during the run, and both have played in all six games this season.

Ngobi, in particular, has played every minute so far, showing how vital he is to Bul’s transitions and winning the ball back.

Up front, it's been a team effort. Karim Ndugwa, who joined at the start of the run, played 14 of 18 matches, scoring eight goals, but has had a slow start this season.

As he slowed down, Jerome Kirya stepped up. He has played in 22 of the 25 matches and has two goals and three assists in the last six games.

New signing Seiri Arigumaho has added fresh energy, scoring two goals in his first two starts, giving Bul a new edge.

Even the young players have contributed. Swabiri Mpassa and Isaac Musiima have both played in 16 matches, while Salim Sowedi and Tom Babalanda have been involved with seven and three appearances, respectively.

New players have kept the team fresh without changing its identity.

Overcoming Challenges

The unbeaten run also survived the Uganda Cup defeat to Kitara, Bul's only loss during this time.

That match led to suspensions for Kirya, Ochora, and Mwere. Coach Abbey Kikomeko was also suspended for six months, but the team remained steady.

Assistant coach Simeone Masaba won four of the five remaining matches after April 29 and secured a draw against URA before leaving.

James Magala then oversaw two wins over Maroons (1-0) and Buhimba Saints (3-0) and a solid draw at Mbarara City.

Home Advantage

Their record might have been even better if they hadn't spent time playing home matches at Lugazi. During that period, they only managed one win, four draws, and two losses to UPDF and Mbarara City.

“It affected our season,” Bul’s chief executive officer Joseph Mutaka said. The numbers agree. Returning to Njeru helped them regain their rhythm.

They have played 13 home games in Njeru, winning nine and drawing four.

Early Travel, Good Planning

Bull’s attention to detail is also clear in how they handle away games. They travel early and get settled before the match.

Their long trip to Hoima this week likely began three or four days prior, showing good planning. Mutaka said:

“Our chairman always stresses early planning. Before matches, we make sure players are in camp on time.” These small things have made a big difference.

15 wins, 10 draws, 36 goals scored, 12 goals conceded