ARMOY RUGBY CLUB PLAN BIG SCHEME

The long-established club plan to create a new multi-sports complex with rugby as its main focus but embracing a number of other sports as well as including a training centre and restaurant facilities.

Speaking at the club’s annual dinner on Saturday night, President Tom Christie, described the forthcoming season as the most important in the club’s history.

He revealed that the committee were planning to build new clubrooms with the help of funding. The scheme would take up to three years but it would all be carried out with community involvement.

Mr Christie emphasised that the complex would embrace all sections of the community and would give the village a facility they could be proud of.

“This could take up to three years but we are determined to see it through,” he told guests at the club’s annual dinner and presentation of prizes.

Treasurer, Barry Kelly, said the club wanted to move on and their vision was to build a Community Sports centre with rugby as its main focus.

Mr Kelly said everyone would be kept abreast of developments and that there would be a formal presentation at a future date.

Club secretary Neil Porterfield said it was important that local people had an input into the venture.

Guest speaker at the dinner was a former player of the club, Tom Campbell, whose experiences in sport – both rugby and golf – proved highly entertaining.

The past season proved one of the toughest the club has experienced. Captain Barry Taggart spoke of the unenviable task of leading a team week in week out against strong opposition after being promoted two leagues ahead.

Fielding two sides was testament to the captains and all the players who wore the black and amber jersey.

He said last season was one of consolidation and all eyes were looking ahead knowing what to expect to build on for the future.

Summer training starts in June with a coaching structure in place for the game plan for the season ahead.