OBA SPORT

OBA SPORT - April 2003

An update on the affiliated Clubs

Ballyclare Rugby Club

In the League the 1st XV had a very successful year, finishing in 3rd position in Qualifying 1. This is probably their best position for 4 or 5 years when they finished second to Banbridge. The Cup however saw them drop out at the 1/4 final stage against Dungannon II.

The 2nd XV finished 3rd in Junior 1 and again exited at the 1/4 final of the Crawford Cup against Ards II after winning the trophy for the past 4 seasons.

The 3rd and 4th XV’s both completed their seasons in their respective leagues Junior 2 and Junior 3. The 5th XV used several imports in completing their matches at Minor level.

The U 16’s had a strong team this year and reached the Plate semi-final, unfortunately beaten at home by Banbridge, while the Under 20’s had a very good league season.

Special mention for past 1st XV Captain John Luke who has moved to New Zealand and W.Logan, C. Morrow, G. Ferguson and A. Carson who have been selected on the Ulster Juniors panel for next year.

Templepatrick Cricket Club

As other sports are winding down in their season the cricketers are dusting off the whites and taking advantage of the good weather to prepare their ground at the Cloughan.

Last season the 1st XI increased their Section 3 status by finishing 5th in their 2nd season there, the highest level the club have ever played at. Captain Artie Campbell is currently preparing his squad with indoor practice at Ballyclare Leisure Centre on Fridays evenings.

The 2nd, 3rd & 4th XI’s will again have full league and cup fixtures and with the standard of players at their disposal should all be chasing promotion.

Youth cricket will again feature highly in the TCC programme with the Under 19 team playing Woodvale in the Colts Cup, the Under 15 and Under 13 teams playing in the strong East Antrim Leagues and Cup competitions and the Under 11’s playing in the Quoile Cup.

Congratulations to James Jackson who has been selected for the NCU U15 squad and to Robert Smith who has been selected for the NCU U13 squad .

Any one interested in further information should contact Andy McCrea.

Ballyclare Badminton Club

The B team are to be congratulated on a good Div 2 position in the Ulster League however greater success was found at All Ireland level were they were crowned Div 2 Champions in Sligo.

The A team with a recent draw against Donegore finished in 2nd place in the Ulster League Div 1. After 20 years of competing in this league, this is the highest finishing position for the club and the club are already setting their sights on another equally, if not more successful season next year. Good Luck.

Ballyclare Ladies Hockey Club

Extreme congratulations to the 1st XI on their promotion into Senior 1. They finished second in Senior 2 behind winners Victorians but 2 promotions places are available.

Since reforming the club in 1986 it has been a steady progression up the leagues, now to the top level.

The 2nd XI now play in the Qualifying league so a sound squad is available for hopeful consolidation next year.

The 2nd XI finished the league season unbeaten, moving from Intermediate Section 1 to Qualifying Section 5

Personal congratulations to Laura McAlpine, who was selected for the Ulster U16 team .

At the recent Annual Dinner in the OBA Pavilion, prizes were distributed to the many members of the club who had distinguished themselves throughout the year.

OBA GOLF OUTING

This will be held on Wed 4th June at Ballyclare Golf Club and is open to all OBA members and guests. Anyone interested should contact Ned Laird on : 028 9332 3074.

SCHOOL SPORT

Congratulations to recent leaver and lock forward, Lewis Stevenson, who was a key member of the Irish U19 team who took part in the Junior World Cup in France, recently. Lewis scored against New Zealand and Ireland went on to be the highest placed home nation.

Current 1st XV centre Jamie McGrugan also achieved international status recently, when he played for Irish Schools in great wins over France and England. At the time of writing they have to play Wales in the nations decider.