Barbarians game will aid Marie Curie

That's the promise made by organisers of this Saturday's eagerly-awaited Ballymena Barbarians schools' rugby charity match at Eaton Park.

The concept of the match traditionally sees Ballymena Academy and near neighbours Cambridge House combine to take on the reigning Schools' Cup holders.

In 2009 it was Methody who provided the opposition, but this year, of course, Ballymena Academy are the holders of the trophy following last month's success against Belfast Royal Academy, prompting a re-shuffle for event organisers.

This year the Barbarians team will be comprised of a number of Cambridge House players, along with representatives of a number of other Ulster schools, including Coleraine Inst, Dalriada Grammar, Ballyclare High School and Rainey Endowed.

The Ballymena Barbarians is an invitational side, bringing together the finest young talent from schools and clubs across Ulster. They have a commitment to dynamic attacking rugby and an on and off-field camaraderie true to the Barbarian spirit.

The match will again be hosted by Ballymena Rugby Club at Eaton Park on Saturday, April 24 (12.30pm) and will be followed by a Ballymena U-20 XV v Ulster U-20 XV at 2.30pm.

Admission is just 5 for the day and this year's beneficiary will be Marie Curie Cancer Care, a charitable organisation which provides nursing care free of charge to terminally ill people, allowing them to be cared for in their own home.

The charity also undertakes research into the causes of cancer and improved cancer treatments.

Barbarians committee chairman Derek Montgomery said: "The match drew one of the biggest crowds of the season to Eaton Park last year and we're hoping for another great turnout to support a cause that is close to many people's hearts.

"Everyone around the club is a bit down about relegation but this is an opportunity for many of the young players who wil be in Ballymena's colours next year to showcase their talents and hopefully give local rugby fans a bit of a lift."

The Barbarian committee has thanked BRFC for hosting this event, and the main sponsors, Edwin May, Donnelly and Taggart (Honda) Ballymena, Reas of Larne, and DKM Ballymena.

The fun filled day, which incoporates mini rugby and Ballymena Hockey Club mini hockey fun day, promises to have something for all the family, bouncy castle, face painting, games, music, stalls and BBQ.

To conclude the day there will be a dinner for all of the players and sponsors in the clubhouse at 5pm, and a disco from 9pm, again with all proceeds to Marie Curie.

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