This has been a very difficult and challenging year for Youth Rugby, with the introduction of the new age groups, moving the teams away from coinciding with their corresponding school year. However, due to the continuing efforts of our Youth Convenor and YDO, Tom Wiggins, recruitment was successful, resulting in at least 20 boys in each of the Under -13, Under -15, Under -17 and Under -19 groups. Unfortunately, as the season progressed, their coaches became increasingly unavailable, and in the end, Tom regularly only had Niall O’Loan to assist him with all four sides. The Under-19, after a shaky start, had a good season. 10 wins and 3 defeats saw them finish second in their league. Both the Under-15 and Under-17 were hit badly by the age change, ending up with very young, though promising teams, but without experienced coaches. The Under-13, containing a number of very promising boys, lost only 3 games all year. With their coaches disappearing, Tom had to take this side mostly on his own. Tom also developed a cross-border initiative at Under -14 level with Clontarf, which has attracted good press coverage, and he is planning an Ethnic Minorities Open Day at Eaton Park in August to encourage local Eastern European children to take up the game.
Owen Wilson and James Davidson made it through to the final squad trial for Ulster U-17, while Troy Wilson, Daniel Crawford and John Crabbe have similarly been selected for the North East squad in the Under-16 Ulster Regional Development programme. Jordan McNeill, Conor McNeill, Stephen Kirkwood, Philip Clements and Declan McKee had participated in the U-16 trial at an earlier stage. We are one of the few clubs now regularly fielding 4 youth teams, so if more coaches can be found for next season, the outlook at Youth level can be very bright.
On 24th April another very successful Youth/Schools/Barbarians day was staged, and our congratulations and thanks for their efforts must go to the organising committee led by Derek Montgomery.
A concerted effort has also been made to establish Ladies’ Rugby here, which would gain further money from the IRFU Club Support Scheme, and training for a growing number of girls now takes place every Monday evening, directed by Richard Montgomery and Robin Adair. Hopefully it is now only a matter of time before competitive games for the girls will be regularly organised.
In spite of numerous cancellations due to the bad weather, the Mini-Maxi Section had another very successful year, with over 200 Minis, and 40 Rascals, turning out on Saturday mornings under the supervision of 40 active coaches, and with at least 10 other parents assisting with administration, catering etc. I would like to congratulate and thank Scott Muir, and all the other helpers, who have again done a great job this season, expertly organising the Section. A Mini Festival attracted over 700 children with their parents to Eaton Park, while a very successful Fun Day was arranged to coincide with the Barbarians games. Two groups from France were recently hosted, while the Under-12 entertained their counterparts from Marr RFC in Ayrshire, and are also themselves soon going on tour to Scottish club Currie.
The hard-working John Andrews strove tirelessly in his first year in the post of Head Coach. Although he did not achieve the success his hard work deserved, we thank him for his efforts. Chris Galway did a fine job as fitness coach for the senior squad early in the season, and Andy Graham and Niall Malone offered John invaluable assistance all year. Johnnie Wells and Glen Boyd worked hard with the Seconds and Thirds squad.
Glen Boyd was also the Manager of the Seconds, while Mike Kerr, Shay Blaney and Peter Crabbe managed the Thirds, Fourths and Fifths respectively.
Sam McKinney was Club Captain, and on the field always led the First XV from the front. Paul Campbell most regularly captained the Seconds, Robbie McGreer the Thirds, and Mark Moffett the Fourths, and Peter Crabbe the Fifths. First XV Team Manager Sam McGreer, ably assisted by Peter MacKenzie, did his usual excellent job organising the First XV training and travel throughout the season, and the accommodation during the AIL programme. Sam, the worthy recipient of this year’s Millar-Mc Bride Award, is retiring from his role, and will be badly missed. read on
