U13 Boys Victorious at the Ndume 7's Rugby

We arrived at Pembroke after a 3-hour drive, slightly tired but motivated for the games ahead.

Our first match in the group stage was against St Christopher’s, a team we had previously beaten in our season. We went into that game with confidence and ensured an early lead. We ended the game off with smiles and a deserved win. Next, we had Kenton, who had previously beaten us. We approached that game seeking to give our best and redress the previous result. Our great, hungry mindset pushed us through with a confident finish. We then had to face Hillcrest in a battle; although we had beaten them in a match earlier in the season, we knew it was a game that we shouldn’t take lightly. Our organisation and strong fitness levels helped to ensure success in the game. We came into the match against St. Andrew's Turi with some trepidation, although with the mindset of a 'lion' we managed to overcome that fear and win the game. This gave the team a heap of confidence going into the semi finals.

In the semi final we all were ready and able to expect the best and accept the worst; in the team huddle we talked about how far we have gotten and our journey as warriors. We came into that game with determination and hunger for a win. Our semi final put us up against The Banda in a game that was a battle of the fittest, strongest and most prepared. We started off with an early lead with a try, then won another one which put us ahead by two. Banda then came back with a try and put us on the chopping block. With a minute to go The Banda’s centre rushed down the wing looking for a try, but was denied with a crucial tackle from our #3. The game Braeburn 2 tries to 1 up against The Banda and we were in the final.

The final saw us matched against the hosts, Pembroke House. We started off the first half on the back foot. Looking at the other team and their overpowering stature we felt it would be an uphill battle. This cost us in the first half as Pembroke took an early lead, although missing their conversion. Coming into the second half we had realised this was our game to win and our battle to finish. With a more organised team and better mindset we pushed upwards as a line, almost like a Viking charge. As our coach said, this was bound to be a close contest and hard fought contest but we believed we would deliver the final word. Our first try was scored in the corner of the try box and this changed the momentum of the game. To put us ahead our fly half then scored a conversion, we ran back to our side of the pitch with hope. We then kicked off, managed to win back the ball and with a thirst for the win, our fly half made sure of the victory by running down the wing and a flying finish in the end try box.

With the ball kicked out to touch we had won the Ndume 7's tournament, the Braeburn U13 girls touch rugby team cheering for us on the side line, our coach running in to soak in the win, and most importantly us with sweat on our faces running around beaming in victory. We ended of the day as champions. Keith Orapa was chosen as the best player of the tournament.

Written by:

Migi Atinga - Braeburn rugby team captain

Keith Orapa -Braeburn rugby team vice captain

Braeburn Team: Kaleb Getachew, Sedia Darboe, Ebraima Darboe, Gift Shoko, Nyaga Maina, Theo Kalilombe, Jeremy Ndung’u, Keith Orapa, Migi Atinga, Jewel Mawajje