U13 IAPS Hockey Tournament

Since the beginning of the season, the girls' squad had been hoping this event would take place after 3 years of no IAPS hockey tournaments. 2 years ago, on the eve of the tournament that they had been eagerly looking forward to, the first case of Covid-19 in Kenya was announced and the tournament cancelled. This year, like then, the girls knew, quietly, that they were in with a good chance of doing well. The day that the girls 1st team were waiting for had finally arrived, the U13 IAPS Girls Hockey Tournament.

There were clear nerves at the start of the tournament, but with a good chat and after setting out our plan of attack, the girls were ready for action! The first game saw Braeburn beat Kenton 4-0, with Carla on a goal fest, scoring all of the goals! The following game against Peponi B team tested our girls, but they managed to secure a 1-0 win. The next game was the nail biter, The Banda. This was to be Braeburn's nemesis, but the girls fought and fought, fending off The Banda's attack, and scoring a decisive goal courtesy of Lara to secure another 1-0 win. This was the game that the girls had been dreading, but it was a fantastic result and helped the girls believe in themselves. The final game was a comfortable win (3-0) against Brookhouse, who put up a good fight.

The squad advanced to the semi finals against Peponi. Again, another great show of skill, confidence, and determination to gain a result. A 2-0 win took the squad to the final....what the girls had been hoping for all along. They were to play The Banda, again!

A physically and emotionally tough game for all those who participated (including those who were on the sidelines!) was what brought an outstanding level of play from both sides. Fantastic defending from both teams, and a high quality of stick work and game play saw both teams deadlocked at full time. The next stage, a 5 minute period of golden goal. Braeburn started well on the attack, a few near misses and the girls' legs were clearly fatigued! Eventually, after a great shot on target, the ball ended up close to the keeper's pads, a team effort secured the goal, and the championship!

No one really knows who scored, which actually demonstrates what a great squad these girls are. These girls worked their socks off for each other, supported each other and were always positive in their approach. The relief and pure elation on the faces of those girls at the whistle sounding once that ball went over the line, was amazing! Clearly, some incredible individual players' contributions, but more importantly, the level of teamwork these girls demonstrated throughout the day, along with the celebration of quality play from other schools, was what impressed the most.

As well as winning the tournament, the final ceremony also celebrated some individuals: Lara winning player of the tournament; Carla, Cara, Mariam and Lara being selected for the Nairobi Schools team. An incredible achievement from all the girls who played in the tournament and throughout the season. Well done girls!

Lara Welch

Head of Sports