FQML Rugby 7's

Amano Christian School went to Simba school to play FQML sevens rugby against 8 other teams [Saturday 10th February]. Our first game was tough, it was against Mpelembe. In general we were a lot more prepared than what they were, but it still took us a little while to get our heads in the game. We managed to score one hard earned try by Musonda and sadly just missed another two tries. We ended that game 7-0.

Teams L-R: AISL, Chiwala, Chengelo, Simba, Amano, Trident

L-R Captain Philip, Top try scorer Musonda, Conversion kicker Cholwe, Prop Kaoma

In our second game we were a lot more prepared and communicated quite a lot more. When we played Chiwala boys, we hammered them 21-3, with two tries from Musonda and one from myself.

In our third game against Kansenshi, we didn’t exactly have the fairest game, but the guys kept their cool and pushed forward. We scored two tries taking that game 10-0.

Another visit to Mpelembe's try line going unrewarded

Xavier scrumming down against Mpelembe

Our final game in our pool was against Simba. They came on very strong and scored a try very early in the game. We fought hard and just as the bell rang for the end of the game, Ilunga made a spectacular run, right past their defence, 'dummied' a player and scored a beautiful try. This game ended tied at 5-5.

Conditions started well...

...but deteriorated significantly!

Overall we came first in our pool and this meant that we would be playing for first and second position, the cup final, and our opponents would be Trident.

When we played Trident, it didn’t take us long to realise that they did not come there to have fun, after conceding two tries against us and 5 penalties in the first half, we realised that sportsmanship was apparently not the aim of the game here. We managed to get a penalty try after Musonda was high-tackled out of desperation [by the last defender]. We sadly lost the final game 17-7. 

The finish of Trident Cup Final.

Somewhat muddied but still smiling. A good day out for the boys

Nevertheless, the guys kept an amazingly cool tone even though it was not the match we were hoping for. In general I was very proud to have been the captain of this team and will encourage them to work harder and harder and to keep up the effort. I finally just want to thank Mr Grove for his support and training, and God, that he gave us more than we hoped for. Never minding the scores, I still believe we came out champions of that tournament.

Philip receiving Runners-up award and participation shirts

Report by P. Nieuwoudt