On Friday 9th November 2018, The British School Al Khubairat hosted the first tournament of the BSAK 7s Series 2018/19.  Twenty schools from across the UAE were invited to compete in the annual rugby and netball fixture.

The morning’s competition saw the U12 and U14 netball teams start the day with passion and vigour. Games were fast-paced and exciting with tough competition as the teams competed against schools from across the Emirates.  The atmosphere around the courts was electric as the teams progressed through the group stages and into the playoffs. The intensity and tough competition were reflected in very tight scores and a couple of games were decided by the ‘Golden Goal’ rule!    

In the afternoon, the U16 and U19 netball teams took to the courts.  In the heat of the day, the teams battled it out, showcasing extraordinary skills and determination.  Again, the games were tight and the girls revelled in the support and encouragement from the crowd. The U16 BSAK team came 3rd in their competition being the most successful BSAK netball team of the day.  

Congratulations to our netball Cup winners: U12 Dubai English Speaking College, U14 Jumeirah English Speaking School and Dubai College U16 and U19.

Mrs Bolger, Head of Netball commented, “I am very proud of all of the girls who showed such great teamwork and individual skills.  It was a fantastic community feeling to host my 3rd tournament, for the first time sharing the date and venue with the rugby tournament.”

The rugby tournament was simultaneously played on the grass pitches, with U12 and U14 teams first to compete, along with the U19 Girls rugby.  It was clear to see the boys enjoying the competitive environment, as they showed-off their rugby skills. For the U19 Girls, it was a smaller tournament, but equally competitive.  For one team, it was the first time they had played a full game of contact rugby. BSAK U19 Girls were well deserving runners-up.

In the afternoon, the older teams - U16 and U19 - took to the pitches.  At this age, the boys have well-honed skills and a commanding physical ability.  The games were very competitive and always played in good spirit. 

Congratulations to our rugby Cup winners: U12 Dubai College, U14 Jumeirah English Speaking School, U16 Dubai English Speaking College, U19 Boys Dubai College and U19 Girls Dubai Exiles.

Mr Thomas, Head of Rugby, was delighted with the standard of rugby played, “A big thank to you to all of the teams who came so well prepared and ready to compete.  The rugby on show was terrific. To the travelling teams, we appreciate you making the journey and adding to the spectacle that is the BSAK 7s rugby tournament.”

Mr Coombes, Director of Sport added,   “It takes the whole BSAK community to organise this tournament.  Mr Thomas and Mrs Bolger take the lead and prepare the entries and tournament format and we all appreciate how much work this is.  On the day, Housekeeping, IT department, volunteers from across the School and BSAK Students help us. It is hard work but a lot of fun.  Of course, the part we all enjoy most is watching the teams play. This year, with netball and rugby on the same day, the atmosphere was very special. We now look forward to the football tournament on the 8th March 2019, before we can crown the overall winners of the BSAK 7s for this year.”

BSAK would like to thank the visiting schools and clubs for taking part in the netball and rugby tournament: Abu Dhabi French, Abu Dhabi Thistle FC, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain English Speaking School, American Community School Beirut, Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Canadian International School Abu Dhabi,  Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Dubai College, Dubai English Speaking College,Dubai Exiles, Emirates International School Meadows, Jumeirah College, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Kent College, Kings’ School Al Barsha, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Raha International School, Repton Abu Dhabi and The British International School Cairo.

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