Barani High wins Malindi Beach rugby age-grade tournament

Barani High School emerged the winners of the Malindi Beach Rugby age-grade tournament after humbling Malindi A 2-1 in the final played at the Buntwani Waterfront Park in Malindi, Kilifi County.

The team which kicked off their title hunt with a bang was under the tutelage of Protus 'Sam' Omuhaya.

They started their campaign on a high, seeing off Jimmy-coached Miritini Sailors 1-0 before defeating Marafa 4-2. They would then share 1-1 spoils with Malindi B to proceed to the semifinals.

At the semifinal stage, Omuhaya's charges narrowly defeated Coastal region Presscott Cup runners-up Gede High School 2-1 to proceed to the final where they humbled hosts Malindi A 2-1.

The gutsy boys were the first to register their names on the scoreboard with a five-pointer from Junior Katama to take a 1-0 lead.

Malindi A responded almost immediately with a try from Edward Fondo to see the scores tie at 1-1.

However, in the dying minutes of the game, Maurice Nyundo scored the team's saving try before the sound of the final whistle.

Kenya's Lionesses Ready to Shine in Dubai: A Captain's perspective

Barani who looked favourites from onset were the first to enter the score board, Junior Katama breaking the deadlock minutes after kickoff to lead 1-0.

Speaking after the win, Omuhaya noted that it was a motivation for the boys to aim higher. He further explained that it was a matter of time before the school became a hub of rugby excellence.

"I feel happy, I am happy for these kids, they've been training for this event and their effort finally got rewarded. These are the future champions. Watch this space," he urged.

Mozzart Sport also caught up with Malindi beach rugby tournament organizer Leon Lubang'a who said that the main aim of the tournament was to revive the spirit of rugby in Malindi.

All systems go as Kings Shield League Cup takes center stage in Nakuru

Lubang'a who also doubles up as the Coastal region Rugby Development Officer (RDO) said that the long-awaited set piece was making a comeback for the first time since 2014, this time bigger and better.

"We are looking at attracting new and vintage players, together with more sponsors and partners. We had nine age grade teams (two for girls and seven for boys), and then we have eight senior teams from Nairobi, Malindi, Kilifi, and Mombasa," he noted.

How five-aside is played

The 5s aside tournament has five players on both sides. Unlike rules in other versions where a try counts for five points, a try in the 5s game equals a point.

Teams can also amend the rules depending on their preference.

The tournament is played bare-footed on the beach, and teams register to participate.

Malindi Beach Rugby age-grade results:

Baharani Boys 1-0 Miritini Sailors

Malindi B 4-0 Marafa

Malindi A 0-0 Garashi

Barani Girls 0-1 Paul Harris

Barani Boys 2-4 Marafa

Malindi B 2-0 Miritini

Malindi A 1-1 Gede

Paul Harris 1-0 Barani Girls

Barani Boys 1-1 Malindi B

Marafa 0-0 Miritini

Gede 2-0 Garashi

Semis 1

Barani 2-1 Gede

Semis 2

Malindi A 4-2 Malindi B

Final

Barani 2-1 Malindi A