Ballymena U-17s prepare for Ravenhill date

Ballymena under-17s, who take on Dromore in the Ulster Cup final at Ravenhill this Saturday.

The boys will play Dromore and will be hoping to bring their recent excellent form into the final.

Coached by Matthew Banks, Tom Wiggins and Richard Montgomery the boys are the first Ballymena Youth team to appear at Ravenhill in six seasons.

This year saw the 17s make their first appearance in the Premier League and they were unlucky to miss out on the championship when they finished two points behind the league leaders.

Matthew Banks says: “Three years ago the boys were a young side who only won one competitive match all season, their hard work and commitment has now made them possibly the best Under 17 team in Ulster.”

The 17s however have not forgotten that other things are important. One of the team Tyler McIntyre is involved with the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. As part of their team preparations the boys offered to collect money for the charity outside a local store on Saturday.

Tom Wiggins says: “At BRFC we try to give the boys much more than rugby coaching, life skills and life experiences are equally important and it was really pleasing when the boys came up with this idea.

“They are a credit to the Club and everyone is really looking forward to taking another massive step when we represent the Club next week at Ravenhill.”

The 17s have also received support from local businesses with Montgomery’s Restaurant providing a free pre-match breakfast for the team whilst Alec McNeill, The Olderfleet Arms in Larne has supplied shorts and socks for the big day.

The match is scheduled for 1.30pm kick off this Saturday, May 11 – entry fee £6 adults and £3 for children. Under 18s who arrive wearing a Club shirt get free entry to the match. The 17s are hoping that as many people as possible can come along to provide support in their efforts to lift the cup.

Squad: Ty Mackness, Simon Crooks, Denver Mills, Conor McNeill, David Gilkinson, Brian Adams, Dylan McKillan,Tom Kerr, Kieran Thompson, Stephen Hunter, Stuart Getty, Aston Logan, Jordan Millar, Phillip Jennings, Evan McLeister, Jonny Crooks, Ryan Mattison, Aaron George, Matthew Bell, Tyler McIntyre, Jordan Rock and George Stewart. Coaches – Matthew Banks, Tom Wiggins and Richard Montgomery.