Ballymena Bears stand up for Ulstermen

Ballymena RFC Bears players and coaches pictured during their visit to Ravenhill on Friday night when they played at half-time in the Ulster match.

The Ballymena children were among four teams with learning difficulties who played on the Ravenhill turf at half-time in Ulster’s RABO Pro12 match against Newport Dragons.

Having been briefed by Ulster Rugby staff on arriving at Ravenhill, the kids enjoyed the first half of the Ulster game before making their way onto the pitch where they took on Donaghadee Seaside Sharkies in an exciting match.

First honours went to the Bears with Oli Byrne keen to show his speed down the wing but Sharkies were soon level.

Then Ballymena’s Bethany Meneary who blitzed up the pitch cutting through the Sharkies defence scoring her first.

Excellent support and defensive play by Johnny Duncan (captain), Andrew McDowell and Frank Stewart couldn’t prevent the Sharkies getting their second but a fine pass from Harry Cairns to Oli gave the Bears the lead again.

Another each by Oli and Bethany made it 5, but the Sharkies had the final word with a dramatic try before a frantic six-minute game was brough to an end.

Ballymena Bears provides tag rugby for people with learning disabilities, they meet every other Sunday at Eaton Park 10am to 11am. Details are available on the Ballymena RFC web site or facebook/ballymenabears, new players are very welcome to come along and give it a go.