Teams involved:
- Cullybackey College
- Dunclug College
- St. Killian’s College
The Year 8 Rugby Squad made their way to Eaton Park, home of Ballymena RFC, to take part in a Rugby Blitz afternoon, organised by Ulster Rugby Community Development Officer, Mark Hermin.
After several weeks of skills sessions delivered at the College by Coach Mark, 14 pupils made the trip to play many 7-a-side games against boys from the other local schools involved. The session was a further opportunity to work on ball handling, movement, team work and the more physical element of full tackling. This was the first opportunity for the boys from Cullybackey to work on their tackling skills and they took to it like the proverbial ducks to water.
The squad represented the college with great success, displaying an excellent attitude throughout, as well as demonstrating great progression in skill development, making some excellent tackles and running hard leading to the scoring of many tries against the local opposition. Although scores were not counted on the day – focus was on skills and most importantly, enjoyment – the buzz on the bus on the way home was electric with the squad very much looking forward to testing themselves further at the next blitz session and the prospect of several matches and tournaments against all comers.
Huge thanks must go to Mark Hermin and Ballymena Rugby Club for organising the whole event and their continued support of the College’s rugby development and we very much look forward to continuing this successful partnership.
We would continue to encourage those already in the Under 12 Squad, and any others wanting to join to come to after school Rugby Club, held every Wednesday 3.30-4.30. It is open to all boys in Years 8-11. We look forward to seeing you there and enjoying a successful season both on and off the pitch.