Year 8 and 9 boys turned out from St. Louis’ Grammar, Dunclug College, St. Patrick’s College and Cullybackey College for the much-awaited festival of rugby at ‘the Park’.
For the majority of the boys this was their first-ever competitive rugby match but you would never have known this from the standard of play. Several Ballymena RFC officials were in attendance and they were surprised and delighted by the effort and endeavour shown by all the teams.
The boys had all benefited from a six-week coaching programme organised by Tom Wiggins, Ballymena RFC and Ballymena Council’s Community Development Officer.
The damp and windy conditions could not dampen the spirits and every match saw the schools struggle to get the upper hand. It had been decided prior to the event that the Shield would be awarded to the team with the best team spirit. The selection was made by the referees and it was a very difficult decision. In the end the trophy was awarded to Cullybackey College and their teacher Mr. Cowan.
The Blitz was sponsored by leading sub-contract laser firm Hutchinson Engineering who have supported the club’s community outreach efforts. Managing Director Mark Hutchinson said, “Over the past two years we have developed a close relationship with the rugby club and have provided sponsorship to support the clubs youth and community programme. We were delighted to sponsor the Blitz and provide further support for the Club’s efforts to bring rugby to boys from every community background.”
Tom Wiggins said, “It was great to see boys from the schools come out to Eaton Park. As a Club we are committed to working with children from all communities. I have coached all the boys and I was very proud of their efforts today and the remarkable progress they have made in the past couple of months. The potential within our local schools is huge and who knows today we may have seen the next Luke Marshall or Andrew Trimble beginning their career at Eaton Park. As a Club we are extremely grateful for the help of company’s such as Hutchinson’s, it is support such as this which makes our community outreach programme so effective.”
As for the boys they were wet and tired but they all agreed it had been a great morning and something which they would love to do again.