IAPS Rounders Champions

Rounders players from the 10 IAPS (Independent Association of Preparatory Schools) schools in Kenya converged on Hillcrest at the weekend to compete in the annual rounders tournament. They enjoyed a day of strong competition played in good spirit.

Our U13s played well, although found it tough on the day to get the number of rounders on the board that they would have expected. They missed out on the semi-finals of the main competition but made it to the finals of the plate where they lost narrowly to St. Andrew's. They can be pleased with their positive attitude and supportive teamwork, with Yebo leading them well by example.

The Braeburn U11s got off to a slow start but raised their focus and their game to beat Kenton and then Greensteds in the group stage. It was a tight game against The Banda in the semi-finals. The girls did wonderfully to keep The Banda from scoring at all in the first 10 balls of the innings having set a target of 4 1/2 rounders in theirs. The accurate bowling and committed fielding were key to Braeburn winning the game and advancing to the final where they played Pembroke.

There was a great spectator turn-out for the final which was played over 2 innings. Our U11s got off to a strong start and gradually accumulated a good number of rounders in the 1st innings. Pembroke batted well, but again the bowling and fielding by Braeburn was of a high standard and limited their score. The tension in the second innings was palpable but the girls held their nerve, batting, bowling and fielding strongly again, emerging victorious and becoming the first ever U11 or U13 Braeburn rounders team to win the tournament.

Huge congratulations to them and to their coach, Mrs Ledward, for a superb performance.

Well done as well to Caterina of our U13s for her selection to represent the Nairobi Schools team to play the Up-Country Schools later in the term.