The Pollock Cup Subsiduary Event was organised by the Ulster Branch to provide schools who traditionally have not played rugby to get a taste of a competitive match. Ballymena Rugby Club were delighted to provide pitches and facilities to support the event.

The Year 12 boys had only one training session leading up to the event and they found they were up against difficult opponents from Magherafelt who narrowly defeated them by 10 – 5. However they soon found their feet and the next match against Glengormley High was a different encounter. Captain Jarrad Bowes scored 3 tries, which were complimented by tries from Anderson, Donnelly and Adair. The Ballee boys proved much too strong for their opponents and they ran out 44-0 winners. The spirit and enthusiasm of the boys was obvious and further fixtures will now be arranged against local schools.

Indeed rugby has become a part of the curriculum at Ballee where Principal Gillian McCartney has been a major influence in providing pupils in Years 8 and 9 with the opportunity to enjoy the game. Weekly sessions are now orgainsed by Tom Wiggins the Ulster Branch Youth Development Officer who is attached to Ballymena RFC. In the next few weeks the Year 9 boys will also take part in a cross community event being organised at the Club.  PE teacher at the school Dan Maude is a qualified coach and has been given the responsibility of developing rugby as an integral part of the activities provided to pupils.

All in all this was a very enjoyable day and the school and the Club are looking forward to future events which will allow the pupils the opportunity to show off their new skills.