News

Bank of Ireland Towns Cup Final

18th April 2022

For Ballyclare, it's the 4th time in a row they've reached the final of the competition, which has been running since 1883.

Covid curtailed last season entirely, and it stopped the 2020 campaign short of the final which was due to be contested by Ballyclare and Ballyhaninch 2nd XV.

Back in 2019 Enniskillen became the last team to lift the Towns Cup as they beat Ballyclare 19-0, which came one year on from Clare's 2018 final win over Portadown by 27 points to 6.

For Dromore, it's a first Towns Cup final appearance since 1998, when they were beaten by Coleraine.

## Ballyclare RFC

Semi-Finals

Ballyclare 29-24 City of Armagh 2nd XV

Quarter-Finals

Clogher Valley 10-15 Ballyclare

Round 2

City of Derry 2nd XV conceded v Ballyclare

Round 1

Ballyclare RFC Captain Joel McBride:

"It’s been a mixed season, but it has been very enjoyable and competitive. Our squad is very young, but I’m confident the experience of this year will benefit us next year. We have had a great Towns Cup run with two challenging games against Clogher and Armagh. Everyone in the squad is really looking forward to the final at Kingspan."

"The All Ireland Junior Cup Final defeat has been referenced by myself and other senior leaders within the squad but there’s no point dwelling on it too much. As a team we had to move on and focus on the Towns Cup and finishing the season well."

"We tend to just take each week as it comes during the season, it’s hard to look too far ahead with the volume of games and other competitions. However, there is always an extra buzz amongst the squad during Towns Cup weeks. The chance to play a final at Kingspan just adds an extra level of excitement."

"It will be a tough game as all finals are - I find that everyone raises their performance to an extra level, but the squad is excited and ready to go."

Ballyclare RFC Head Coach Mike Orchin-McKeever:

"We've had a competitive league season, reaching 2 finals out of a possible 3. The young squad is adding experience and resilience to what is a very well-connected group, they have a lot of fun together and are developing really well. I'm delighted with the progress of our 2nd and 3rd XV, and very excited with the addition of the U20 side. Excited to have another Kingspan final in the Towns Cup where we've had two high challenge fixtures with Clogher Valley and Armagh 2s."

"The All Ireland Junior Cup Final defeat has maybe been mentioned by the players wanting to make amends and win this time - but on my part, it's only in regard to the familiarity of returning to play in such a word class facility, which is an advantage to us. There’s nothing to dwell on from the All Ireland Junior Cup, the better team won on the day and we learnt from the experience and improved."

"We find the timing of the Towns Cup a most welcome challenge for the squad in the 2nd half of a league season. 4 consecutive Towns Cup semi-final wins builds character and group cohesion. We want a trophy to sign off the 1st XV season, singing the club song as a squad and leaving a Ballyclare mark on the Towns Cup."

## Dromore RFC

Semi-Finals

Dromore 27-12 Coleraine

Quarter-Finals

Dromore 29-7 Enniskillen

Round 2

Carrickfergus 19-23 Dromore

Round 1

Dromore RFC Captain Adam McDonald:

"We didn’t have the best start to the season and to be where we are now is amazing. We have worked really hard to get here and the players deserve it, but we know the job isn’t done yet, we want to bring the cup back to Barban Hill."

"The boys and I can’t wait to get going on Easter Monday. It’s a historic cup that we set our sights on at the start of every season. The last time Dromore reached this final was 24 years ago, so it’s not often an opportunity like this comes around. I want the boys to enjoy the whole experience and really take it all in because it’s days like this one that they’ll never forget."

"We know Ballyclare are a top side, it’s always a tight battle every time we face them, so it’s set to be an exciting game."

Dromore RFC Head Coach De Wet Bekker:

"We had a very tough start to the season and our main aim and focus was to climb the league table and stay away from the relegation zone. This has brought us closer together as a squad, and the Towns Cup run has really been the reward, which all players deserve."

"Everyone is very excited and there is a real buzz around the club at the moment. Dromore haven't played in the Towns Cup final in 24 years. All the players and supporters are looking forward to a trip to the Kingspan Stadium for a good day out."

"Ballyclare are a good team and it's always a tight battle against them. We are looking forward to an exciting game."