The 12th Sandie Beach Rugby brought together lovers of the game across West Africa in Lagos.
The two-day event which was held in two venues; the National Stadium Lagos and SOL Beach, Lekki, dragged eyeballs to the battles amongst teams in the Sevens tournament on Day One while a relaxation mood with more rugby engagements was activated on Day Two.
Seven teams grouped into two had Lagos RFC, Titans (a combination of Cowrie and Racing players) and Bayelsa RFC in Group A while Group B consists of Accra Rugby Club, Kings RFC, Ogun State, PH Scale RFC and Kaduna RFC.
After the round robin format, both Lagos RFC and Titans RFC fought their way into the semi-finals where they were pitched against Accra RFC and Kaduna RFC respectively.
After the dust settled, Lagos RFC recorded a 26-14 result against Kaduna RFC while visiting Accra Boys fell 0-10 to the combustive display of the Titans to set up an enticing final match against Lagos. Both sides didn’t disappoint. Lagos and Titans did put up a good advertisement for the sport as both sides aim for title.
These two teams would score two Tries each but, it was Lagos who got its conversion kick right as the final score stood at 12-10 to emerge as winners.
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In the women’s exhibition match Gosar defeated ECO II 17-115.
As part of ithe organiser’s contribution to school rugby development, students in secondary schools also enjoyed their day in their sun as Toyibat School and Wolverine Rugby Academy Aguda played an exhibition game before the spectators which also included the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) General Manager, Azeez Ladipo.
SOL Beach, on Day Two, saw more rugby action as fun-seekers were treated to some running and tough tackling on the sands as Kaduna RFC earned the top medals.
Sydney-born Michael Archer who has been a key administrator of Nigerian rugby was elated on the upward swing the tournament has enjoyed over the years.
“Great news about the growing reputation of West Africa’s top beach rugby festival,” the former NRFF General Manager commended. “Congrats to the Turbo Crest team, players, clubs and sponsors.”
The convener Tubosun Johnson who has been pulling all strings to make a
success outing of the 12th Sandie Beach Rugby appreciated all participants for showing up despite the challenges of organising one of the most exciting rugby show in West Africa.
“Well, we are quite happy that the 12th Sandie Beach Rugby has come to an end with international participation from Ghana,” Johnson said.
“We would have had teams from Togo and Benin Republic but for some unexpected logistics issues which we had hoped to overcome. We are glad that Nigerian teams came from the north, west and south which also gives the 12th Sandie Beach Rugby a national outlook. We want to commend all participants including our women who also turned up.”
He added: “We can’t also forget the students who also found the platform as a fertile ground for expressing their talents and that’s one of our own ways of developing the game at the school level. There were challenges
no doubt especially with the economic situation but, we shall make improvements.
“We at Turbo Crest can’t but thank our key pillars of support who have been propping us up; Mariteam, Nido SG, Whassan, KTS oil n Gas, Nimbus media and Famboss especially at this time. We hope for more timely intervention as we prepare for the next edition.”
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