THE Wentworth Raptures basketball team gave a sterling performance during the eThekwini District 7 Inter-Ward Games, which were held at the Tills Crescent Sports Stadium on October 13. The Raptures, under the guidance of their coach, Sheldon Francis, emerged winners in both the girls’ and boys’ basketball categories, representing Ward 68.

Also read: Wentworth Raptures roar in Heritage Day tournament

In the first round, the Raptures took on Chesterville where they secured their victory 63–21. They continued to dominate in the second round against Sherwood with an even more commanding final score of 100–19. The streak continued in the third round, which they won 60–20 against Sydenham.

During the championship game, Raptures again met Sydenham, who put up quite the fight. Raptures were able to emerge victorious with a final score of 58–39, ending the closely contested match and granting them the first-place spot.

Coach Francis said that he was proud of the team’s victory and being able to represent Ward 68 so positively. “We took part in only three sporting codes and came first in both boys’ and girls’ basketball and girls’ soccer. The boys’ soccer placed third,” he said.

Despite all these successes, Ward 68 narrowly lost the overall win by one point, trailing Ward 101 which represented Berea, Glenmore and Cato Crest. However, Francis remained ecstatic with the performance of the Raptures. “It was an excellent day. There are more soldiers in the trenches to take the Raptures to the next level,” he said.

The event was also a selection for the district teams, where several Raptures players were selected to move to the next level. More than 35 basketball and soccer players will go ahead to compete in the inter-district tournament.

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