Ballyclare Festival

Monday, 26 April 2010 17:47

Under 8's/2002

 11 kids attended  the Ballyclare 60th Anniversary Tournament.

2 Jacks,2 Ben's,Rob,Patrick,Nik,Matthew,Daniel,James and Tom.

The format for the Tournament was 4 games (each match  14 mins long).

Academy's first match was against Quins.

The early stages  were very even with both sides tackling well .Quins scored first which woke the Academy side up with replies from Jack and Tom.Half time the emphasis was put on the kids to run forward more with the ball and keep their tackles low.

Second half began well with strong runs from the 2 Ben's.  Academy scores started to come with all the team becoming involved .  Passing, tackling and ball retention  were evident.Great start to the tournament!

The next game was against Civil Service.

The team was ready from the start and it was more of the same again with strong running from the 2 Ben's, 2 Jack's  and Nik. At half time Substitutions were made but this didn't change the game with all the Academy kids getting their hands on the ball. Many tries were scored with everyone enjoying themselves.

Instonians were next.

We knew we were up against a very good instonians side having played them earlier in the season.

The game started with both sides tackling well and the deadlock was broken by Instonians scoring after a great run from one of their players. Academy responded well with 2 tries of their own through Jack and Ben. Academy were on top at this stage and things were going well with only great cover tackles by Instonians stopping Ben scoring. Half time came at the wrong time and Instonians regrouped.

The second half started badly for Academy conceding a try immediately. This spurred on Inst and they scored again.Academy tackled and ran well for the remainder of the match but there were no more scores from either team. Our first loss of the tournament.

Our last game was against Ballyclare.

The kids were ready with James and Daniel making their first starts for the team ,resting Ben,Jack and Rob.

The game started  with Academy and Ballyclare defending strongly and it was only towards the end of the first half that tries were scored by both teams. There was a Fantastic try by Ben running from his own line  to score the highlight of the half. The second half  had Academy dominating with some big tackles  made byJack, Matthew and Nik. Scores were made by the team off loading in the tackle and running forwards.

Great way to finish the season.Kids ,parents and coaches went home really happy and looking forward to playing again next season.

Many thanks to Ballyclare for a well run tournament.