Gem Rugby supported by BATUK entered the SWANS ENTEBBE 7’s Rugby Tournament in Uganda on 5 Dec 2021.
Having been unfortunately unable to secure funds themselves, Gem Rugby was in need of support from BATUK, and once again BATUK came up trumps raising the funds needed to bus 2 x teams from Nanyuki in North Kenya to Entebbe in Uganda. Once in Uganda the funds helped to feed and accommodate the girls. BATUK staff were fantastic with many individuals picking up the both the sponsorship and travel costs for the girls, departments pulled together and many of the Exercising Troops donated the last of their Kenya Schillings as they boarded the plane back to UK.
The long bus journey to Entebbe went relatively smoothly, borders crossed, covid tests done, the only issue was the unavailability of some key players due to school commitments. This meant that the teams had to be reviewed and some quick thinking saw the girls swapping positions to ensure we still had to teams to enter the competition.
On arrival there was time for a few hours sleep before taking the field for the competition – it certainly didn’t look like the girls had only had a few hours sleep as they brushed aside the opposition.
A huge congrats to them for winning the SWANS ENTEBBE 7’s and a massive thank you to all those that helped to get them there.
People in BATUK will be pleased to know that I finish here in Feb 22 and although there will be someone stepping up to take over the mantle, the chances are they won’t be as forceful when looking for support.
Words and Images provided by Maj R Crane MBE, RLC
