Warruwi wows 'em at Barunga

The Warruwi women's basketball team in Jabiru on Friday 3 October, ready to travel to Barunga for the two-day Indigenous Women in Sport Top End basketball competition.

WARRUWI is punching well above its weight in basketball in the Top End. While the small West Arnhem community only sports a population of about 400, it seems every one of them has a hand in the game.

A women’s representative team has just won the two-day Indigenous Women in Sport Top End Remote Community Challenge basketball competition in Barunga on 4-5 October.

Team captain Kylinda Brown says basketball is hugely popular in the Goulburn Island community, with players and spectators alike.

“It’s interesting for everyone, adults and all,” Kylinda said. “It’s the only sport that everyone enjoys on the island.”

Teams meet up regularly at the Recreation Hall for games that include players of all ages.

“Two months ago we held the Warruwi competition, with four teams in each of the men’s and women’s sections,” Kylinda said. “There was a lot of competition to get into the representative side to travel to Barunga.”

The chosen squad worked hard, training every day in preparation for the event, she said.

Seven other teams battled it out at Barunga, including another West Arnhem squad from Maningrida, in what was a close contest.

Warruwi won three of their eight games, scraping into the grand final on percentage points.

But Kylinda said even without the win, the competition was a “good experience”, with team members getting to make new friends and stay with family at Barunga.

Warruwi coach Jenny Inmulugulu, now into her 50s, says she still enjoys getting out on the court in the local comp. Speaking to The Wire in Jabiru on the way back to Warruwi, Jenny said she was very proud of the girls’ performance against the central and top-end teams at Barunga.

“I am so impressed with the team, they made a good effort,” Jenny said.

In their first semi-final the women beat Barunga before defeating Lake Evella 25-20 in the grand final, with Sophie Lee named Most Valuable Player.

The team would soon let their island community know they had won the trophy, too, Jenny said.

“Once we get back to Warruwi we will drive around in the bus tooting the horn,” she said.

The Warruwi women’s team is proudly supported by West Arnhem Regional Council and the NT Government's Indigenous Sport Unit.

Warruwi's team captain Kylinda Brown (centre) receives the competition trophy on behalf of the team.