Genesis Ladies Pool Club finally found their winning touch, ending a frustrating run of five consecutive defeats with two victories in Mukono as the first round of the Nile Special National Pool League concluded  on Sunday.

Playing before their home supporters at iTaano Arena, Genesis produced their most convincing performance in two seasons, beating Silverbacks 17-3 before following it up with a 16-4 victory over She Scrap Buyers.

The double success was a significant relief for a side that had struggled to match the standards of the top flight since earning their place in the competition in 2024.

Their struggles had continued into this season, losing their opening five matches. Even last season, they had failed to take advantage when Akaanya fielded one player short, settling for a 10-10 draw.

However, Sunday offered a different story.

Genesis began their revival against Silverbacks, who were also disadvantaged by the absence of Mariam Nanyonga. Sandra Ampaire gave the visitors an early advantage after beating Angel Namakula in the opening frame, but Genesis quickly recovered to establish an 8-2 lead at the break.

They maintained their dominance in the second half, with only Joyce Nandugwa dropping a frame as the hosts completed a commanding 17-3 victory.

The second assignment against She Scrap Buyers proved even more comfortable. Skipper Sylvia Nankindu was the only Genesis player to lose her opening frame as the hosts raced into a 9-1 advantage at half-time. Nandugwa and Serena Ogumushabe then won all their four assigned frames to complete the 16-4 victory and give Genesis a memorable end to the first round.

Coach Ben Kinene was delighted with the turnaround, urging his players to build on the confidence gained from their home double.

"These girls need to believe in themselves. If they keep training, things will get better," he said.

The competition for individual recognition is also gathering momentum within the team. Nankindu leads Genesis' scoring charts with 17 goals, followed by Ogumushabe on 14 and Namakula on 13.

The club administration has promised to reward its leading shooter with a trip to the Mchana Championship in Kenya this December.

Genesis move to sixth place with nine points, still 11 behind unbeaten leaders Mukono, who maintained their impressive form with routine victories over Scrap Buyers and Silverbacks.

Roxberry stumble

In the men's competition, defending champions Roxberry suffered a setback after losing 14-6 to Scrap Buyers in Mbale, although they had earlier edged Adi's 11-9 at Oak Bar.

The defeat has tightened the title race, with Roxberry retaining top spot on 41 points, just one ahead of Scrap Buyers at the halfway stage.

Last season's runners-up Upper Volta are fourth after another difficult weekend that included an 11-9 defeat to Wakiso City at New Base in Nansana. Upper Volta, however, recovered to beat E-Play 16-4 and Central Shooters 13-7, while Wakiso also registered a convincing 16-4 victory over E-Play.

Club 408 endured a mixed outing in Mukono. After beating Sinkers 11-9 and Mbale 16-4, they lost 12-8 to Capital Night, despite the efforts of Alfred Gumikiriza and Amos Ndyagumanawe.

Capital Night's victory provided a timely boost, having earlier lost 14-6 to Sinkers before recovering to beat Club 408.

The weekend also raised questions over Tororo Tigers, who missed a second consecutive match day after failing to turn up at Beluga Lounge.

The league now takes a one-week break before the second round begins.

Selected weekend results

Ladies

Genesis 17-3 Silverbacks

She Scrap Buyers 4-16 Genesis

Mukono 15-5 Scrap Buyers

Samona 16-4 She Sinkers

Akaanya 3-17 Samona

Shinkers 6-14 Bob Male

Akaanya 10-10 Bob Male

Men

Roxberry 11-9 Adi's

Roxberry 6-14 Scrap Buyers

Sinkers 9-11 Club 408

Capital Night 6-14 Sinkers

Club 408 8-12 Capital Night

Kireka 11-9 Pot It

Kireka 11-9 Nakawa

E-Play 8-12 Central Shooters

Wakiso 11-9 Upper Volta

Upper Volta 16-4 E-Play

C. Shooters 7-13 Upper Volta