BATUK RFC hosted the Nanyuki Octoberfest Ladies Rugby 7’s Tournament over the weekend of 2/3 October 2021 at the Nanyuki Sports Club, Nanyuki Kenya. The tournament was cancelled last year due to C19 so this year BATUK looked to make the tournament extra special.
BATUK has been involved for many years with the development of youth rugby in the Nanyuki area, often taking mass training sessions or introductions to rugby for the local kids of Nanyuki. This has led to the development of several extremely good teams and ultimately seen several of the kids go onto to achieve school or college scholarships. Much of this mentoring is down to Mr Dennis Gem, the BATUK IHub LEC but an individual who donates almost all of his spare time in developing youth rugby.
As the C19 restrictions were lifted the focus has been to develop ladies rugby, many of the girls have been playing rugby from an early age and this has led them to being an extremely well drilled team, despite the average age only being around 15 years. The Nanyuki teams came up against some fierce opposition from Ladies teams from Nairobi, Meru, Naivasha and Lewa Downs – most of these teams fielding players decidedly older than the Nanyuki ladies. They played well and should be proud of only losing in the final to the RuckIt Team from Nairobi.
Alongside the Ladies Competition there was a touch rugby tournament for both boys and girls teams ranging from U8 to U14 level. It was great to see so many kids getting out and throwing a ball about – many of the teams were wearing strips donated from UK clubs sent to BATUK and then distributed down. The kids were so proud to play in their strips, although many were in crocs or simply bare feet.
BATUK RFC supported the event by providing funding for food, accom, referees and trophies. The pitch was marked and dressed accordingly, again many of the kids playing had never seen post protectors or supporter tape to allow the touch judges to move up and down the line. The weather was, on the whole very good and allowed the smooth planning of the many games to run like clockwork.
Commander BATUK, Col Duncan Mann, presented prizes to the winning teams and top try scorers. He also spent time chatting to the representatives of the Kenyan Rugby Union who came to watch the tournament.
A great day and yet another piece of Community Engagement from BATUK RFC.
Article by Major RJ Crane MBE, RLC – BATUK, Images by Mr D Gem
