All four clubs had a good turnout with teams from Ulster Barbarians, Gaelic Warriors, Laois Lions and Munster Crusaders.
The morning was used for development training with short matches in a round robin competition with a mix of the squads. Munster Crusaders development squad were the lucky winners of this Development Blitz with the Ulster Barbarians winning two out of their three games. Ulster Barbarians player Claire Taggart had strong matches and was a leading scorer in these games.
Following an Irish team trial, there was an opportunity for people to have a ‘taster session’ in the wheelchair rugby chairs.
After this, the teams got down to business with the Final Playoffs in the Club Championship. Ulster Barbarians staved off a tough challenge from the Munster Crusaders to come third. This was a thoroughly exciting game with there only ever being 3 points in it. They managed to hold the win with a point to spare with the score 37-36. It was four-6minute quarters of intense play in which all players got on the pitch with rolling substitutions. Star performer was Dee Mongan, in her first competition since returning from maternity leave, played all of the game and was a key roll in organising the defense and creating gaps in attack. Her experience was definitely evident.
Following Ulster’s success, the final was played between Gaelic Warriors and Laois Lions. This was a closely fought match between two rival teams with the Warriors successful in this challenge, winning 43-34.
The Barbarians would like to thank thank Comic Relief for funding the facilities at the Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, and for the Aurora team for delivering a brilliant venue, as well as to thank all who attended. This includes players, volunteers and spectators.
After this competition the players are taking a well deserved break and training recommences in the New Year in the Antrim Forum, every Monday from 7-9pm. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in finding out more about wheelchair rugby or the Ulster Barbarians please contact Bernard Rooney on 07770777265.
Ulster Team:
Bernard Rooney, Dee Mongan, Will Doggart, David Ross, Paul McLister, Sean Smyth, Claire Taggart, Derek Stockdale, Darren Jackson and Robert Cullen.
Irish League 2014 final table:
1st: Gaelic Warriors
2nd: Laois Lions
3rd: Ulster Barbarians
4th: Munster Crusaders
Saturday's Results:
Ulster Barbarians 37 Munster Crusaders 36
Gaelic Warriors 43 Laois Lions 34
Development Championship:
1st: Munster
2nd: Ulster
3rd: Warriors
4th: Lions
Other Result:
Ireland Red 36 Ireland Green 35