Over 80 boys turned up at the Club and some excellent rugby was played on what turned out to be a very pleasant day. The opening match saw Ballee take on St. Pats in a closely contested affair. Both schools were totally new to rugby and the boys only began playing a few weeks ago. However this was not in any way obvious from the standard of play with some excellent running moves and strong tackling being exhibited by both teams. In the end Ballee proved too strong and the Year 9 boys won their first competitive rugby match. St. Pats however worked hard throughout the event and their first competitive try was scored by Jordan McNeill in their next match against Slemish Integrated College.

Slemish had opened the tournament with a win against a very strong St. Paul’s team from Kilrea. The Kilrea boys fought hard and at one stage were level with their opponents at 10 points each. However Phillip Clements a player with Ballymena Under 14s proved again to be too strong for his opponents running in two late tries. St. Pauls after this disappointment went on to win their next two matches with victories against both St. Pats and Ballee.

In the end Slemish, who are building a strong rugby basis throughout the school,  proved to be too strong for the other schools winning all three matches. This saw their captain being awarded the Year 9 Cross Community Shield by Guy McCullough  Secretary of Ballymena RFC. After the presentation the boys were treated to hot dogs and drinks which were provided by the Club, although the boys did have to be quick as the Ulster Branch staff were showing a close interest in the refreshments.

Overall it was an excellent day. Tom Wiggins the Ulster Branch Youth Development Officer attached to Ballymena was delighted with the outcome.  Tom said that the main aim of the day was to let the boys enjoy themselves playing rugby. ‘What was pleasing was seeing the boys mixing throughout and sharing stories of their exploits  irrespective of what schools they attended’. The schools were equally pleased and each of the local schools has approached Tom with a view to extending the provision of rugby to other age groups in the next term. The introduction of rugby at the schools has led to many new players joining the Club and they have all been warmly welcomed into the very strong youth section at Ballymena  RFC. It is hoped that the extension of rugby to other ages will see more boys make their way to Eaton Park to enjoy the great game. Tom is convinced that the next Andrew Trimble is just waiting to be discovered.