RUGBY: Ballyclare High girls reach tag final

The Rashee Road pupils topped their quarter-final group before defeating Grosvenor in the semi-final after extra-time. They beat Aquinas U15 (5-0), Aquinas U18 (4-1), Hunter House (4-1) and Larne 5-0, and were 4-2 winners over Grosvenor.

Mike McKeever, Director of Rugby at Ballyclare High, said: “The girls’ side is made up of pupils in Year 11 and up. Nearly all play and compete in different sports and it’s great to see the girls enjoying the game. Some have caught the eye of Ulster coaches to have high potential to move into rugby sevens.

“They are a competitive bunch, who have fun and listen to coaching points and carry these out on the pitch. They really enjoy the training sessions and playing. It’s great to watch and we have generated a lot of parent support on the sidelines who seem to enjoy watching the game also.”

The showpiece match against Enniskillen is scheduled to take place on March 22.

Meanwhile, Ballyclare High 3rd XV are preparing for the Plate final against Ballyclare Secondary 1st XV on March 16 at Ballyclare High School.

Coach McKeever added: “It’s excellent for the town to have the two schools playing in a final, regardless of result.

“I am delighted for the boys after their work and commitment to reach the final and hope they can go one step further to reward their hard work and that of captain Bruce Deyermond and teachers, Mr Lenaghan and Mr Bell.”