Over eight hundred young rugby enthusiasts descended upon The Cloughan from early morning on Saturday, and competition was keen in all five sections.
A party of seventy players, parents and friends had travelled over from Blaydon in the Newcastle area, and spent a most enjoyable time in Northern Ireland. They enjoyed a delicious meal in The Bamboo Restaurant, where they were well entertained by joint proprietor Nigel Cinnamon, who is a member of the Ballyclare club.
On Sunday morning Randalstown, Ballyclare and Blaydon took part in a fun tournament that was enjoyed by all concerned.
So impressed was the English contingent by the |Northern Ireland hospitality that they have vowed to return next year with an even bigger party.
The trophies and medals were presented by Ballyclare Patron, Derek Moore.
Results
Maxi Group (8 teams) final: CIYMS 6 Ballyclare 1; Fair Play Award (FPA) Ballyclare;
Primary 7 Group (10 teams): Cooke 2 Malone 0; FPA Coleraine;
Primary 6 Group (12 teams): Bangor 2 Coleraine 2: FPA Bangor;
Primary 5 Group (12 teams): Ballyclare Lions 1 Lisburn 1; FPA Ballyclare Tigers;
Primary 4 Group (12 teams): Bangor 2 Belfast Harlequins 0; FPA Malone.
The FPAs were decided by the panel of ten referees who officiated all afternoon.Despite the biting cold east wind, the tournament was a huge success with praise being lavished upon the organiser Peter Kirk and his numerous assistants.
Ballyclare officials were indebted to the members of the PSNI who prevented traffic chaos on the Doagh Road as carloads arrived from all over the province around nine o'clock.
This weekend Ballyclare will be hosting another mini-rugby tournament for boys and girls at Primary 3 level. Fourteen clubs have entered and the action commences at 9.30 a.m.

UNDER 18

The popular Nutty Krust tournament for the Under 18s has adorned the trophy cabinet at The Cloughan in the past, but it will not be back this year following the defeat by Banbridge in the first round.
Chambers Park in Portadown was the venue where the County Down side came from behind to win 20-13.
Skipper Gareth Byers, who scored all his team's points, gave his side the lead in unusual circumstances. His penalty attempt failed, but he regained possession and nonchalantly slotted over a dropped goal!
Bridge replied with an unconverted touchdown, but approaching the interval fly-half Byers ensured that his team would turn round ahead, when he burst through a gap to score a try that he also goaled, for a half time 13-5 lead.
That was as good as it got for the Clare lads, who conceded two scores without reply in a second session that was dominated by the big Banbridge pack, that thrived on kick and drive tactics.
Nick Beattie and Billy Wright took the honours in the pack, while Byers and Chris Hall starred in the backs.
On Saturday 3rd May Ballyclare Vs travel to Armagh for the semi-final of the Ravenhill Cup which is contested by league winners at Minor League level.