Tuesday saw the Under 14 Rugby Squad take part in their quarter final Ulster Cup match against a much fancied and experienced Strangford College team.
After a long journey, the squad got themselves fully up for the fixture and approaching the end of the fist half found themselves 19-14 up on the extremely large opposition.
The impressive first half display, and scoreline, was down to, in no small part, an excellent hat trick of tries to the as ever exceptional Oliver Calderwood, backed up by the boot of Jack Baird.
Unfortunately the second half saw injuries to William Gordon and Calderwood, both of which delighted the opposition as they had proved a real thorn in their side. It did give the opportunity for the bench players to get some valuable game time and build up some much needed match sharpness for the future challenges that face this young squad.
The opposition did manage to score a couple of late tries, taking the tie away from the men from Cullybackey, who really did deserve so much more from the game. The mood at the end was one of disappointment and what might have been, but a whopper meal on the way home quickly dissolved any of those feelings.
Everyone was exceptional on the day, and the improvements made by everyone in the squad over the course of the season, have been magnificent and made all coaches extremely proud to be associated with this bunch of players.
Man of the match – Oliver Calderwood.
The season is not over, with a 7s tournament fast approaching, as well as future medallion fixtures and a year 9 NEEBSA tournament a 2 weeks time. Therefore, attendance at training is essential as squads for these tournaments and games will continue to be based on those turning up.
Well done to everyone involved, and you should all be immensely proud of your efforts in the Ulster Cup this season.
Mr. Magee
