For the second day running the U13 girls of British School of Al Khubairat (BSAK) marched out to a roaring crowd in a grand final. Just 24 hours earlier the team of rising stars ran out to the lush green fields of New York University to take on Sherborne Qatar in the Football final of the BSME Games. Netball was the sport today, and with opponents The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) on an impressive run of form, this one had all the makings of a cracker.
Two minutes had passed before BSAK took the lead with a composed finish by Alice. It would not be the last time the talented BSAK Goal Shooter found the net this afternoon! This was followed after by a second from the BSAK Goal Attack, Sami, after some tenacious play in the final third. Her opposite number, Yasmine, of BISJ, pulled a goal back on 7 minutes to the delight of her team mates (and coach!). BSAK were soon on the march again. A matter of seconds after Yasmine’s cool finish, Sami bagged her second of the day with a fantastic goal after some patient build up down the right side fo the court. The half time whistle blew and the hosts went in 3-1 up at the break.
If the first half made for interesting viewing the second was truly blood rushing stuff. Sami was causing more problems for the visitors and finally made her hat trick after two narrow misses, a goal that many thought was enough to see BSAK run away with the match with 10 minutes to go on the clock. Paulina, of BISJ, had other ideas. The impressive Goal Shooter had the home support on the edge of their seats with 3 goals in the space of 4 minutes to put the match at 4-4 with 6 minutes remaining. A nervous minute followed before BSAK found the spark going on to score 5 goals in the final 5 minutes – with Sami and Alice sharing the spoils. 9-4 the final score at New York University, Abu Dhabi.
Gulf Youth Sport spoke to Alice and Sami at the final whistle and needless to say both were absolutly thrilled with their weekend's work. Alice said: "It's a dream come true to win the double in front of our home support – a day I will never forget". Sami heaped praise on her team mates: "The girls work so hard to create the chances for Alice and I we just have to put them away – I am blessed to be part of such an awesome team.
All in all, an amazing spectacle played in fantastic spirits from start to finish. Well done BSAK, double winners!
– Full results –
1st place: British School Al Khubairat
2nd place: British International School, Jeddah
3rd place: Sherborne Qatar
Player of the Tournament: Rosie Bonar, Sherborne Qatar
Fair Play Award: British School, Muscat