Blaze latest

The Blaze Men's team consisting of Alan McKnight and Adam Hunter defeated the NI select team in what proved to be a very even encounter to open proceedings in front of a large gathering crowd on at West Strand, who were treated to commentary on the day by NI .

In the Female section the Blaze girls Tara Nicholl and Caroline Goodliffe were muscled out by an experienced NI side who capitalised on every slight mistake by the youthful Blaze pairing.

The second round of matches saw Team NI vs Team R.o.W. In the female section the NI team looked unstoppable as they brushed aside a very young rest of the world team, guaranteeing that they had won the Female section of the event.

On the men's court the Rest of the world side put up a spirited fight despite never having played together before eventually losing to the NI team.

All this meant that only a win for both the Men's and Ladies teams for Blaze against the R.O.W teams could allow them to claim first place overall.

Things started well with the girls claiming an easy victory over the rest of the world side with a sensational performance. That just left the guys and luckily for the club, Adam and Alan were playing some of the best volleyball of the day as they breezed past the R.O.W team to claim a 2-0 victory.

This meant Blaze claimed an overall victory in the event with Team NI narrowly behind in second and Team R.O.W trailing behind in third.

The event was run in as part of the Raft Race weekend in association with the Raft Race committee and Coleraine Borough Council.

If you are interested in volleyball or beach volleyball you can get in touch with Johnny McClenaghan from the club on 07817061634 or [email protected]

Blaze players net gongs at annual awards do

AFTER a successful year on and off the court for the local volleyball Club, Ballymoney Blaze held their annual awards dinner in Ballymoney Rugby Club Recently.

The venue served to be a fitting location for the guests who were treated to a fantastic meal by Iris' Farmhouse Cuisine.

This year was a massive year for the club in terms of development and performance with the club forming Junior and feeder sections for the first time in association with Ballymoney Sports Advisory Committee and Ballymoney Sports Development.

In the leagues, the ladies performances on court were the best in the history of the club with the team finishing third in a very competitive league. However, potentially more promising for the club was the number of the squad who were able to break through into the senior squad from the feeder club. Not only this, but the vast majority of the squad claimed national honours in the junior teams over the past year. Congratulations must go to Coach David Park and Captain Susan Lyons who have worked well with a young team to produce the results they did over the year.

In the men's section, Alan McKnight and Jeff Scott rejoined the club after some time playing for Queens University, and immediately made a huge difference to the squad. With Alan in the setting position the team were able to run faster and more accurate attacks than in previous years. As a result of this the team's play as a whole improved. The team went on to claim the league title for the first time in their short history, with 3 of the players being selected for senior national honours while 3 others represented Northern Ireland at junior levels.

After the meal Chairman Johnny McClenaghan welcomed everyone along before announcing that this year there would be 9 major awards which would consist of 4 new award categories, with 6 new trophies on display and up for grabs.

Most Promising Junior Club Member - Teanna Mills.

The most promising feeder club member - Hannah Witherow.

The match official of the year - Clare Scott- officiated in almost every home game this year

Most Improved ladies player - Tara Nicholl- first year playing

Most Improved Male player - Adam Hunter- gained a senior national cap this year in his first year playing senior volleyball

Ladies Player of the Year- Alice Harkness- first full season playing

Mens Player of the year- David Park- second successive year

Honorary Life Membership awarded to Kevin Uprichard- First ever coach of the club, first ever secretary, coach 2009-2010, treasurer 2007-2010

Clubperson of the Year- Johnny McClenaghan- 3rd time in 6 years

After such a successful season the club will be looking to better this next year with the introduction of a mini volleyball club for children in P5-P7 starting in September. Over the summer the club will be running a summer camp at the JDLC, for more information on this visit www.ballymoneyblaze.com

AFTER the successful implementation of a Junior Club this year, Ballymoney Volleyball Club in association with Ballymoney Sports Development are once again offering a summer coaching camp, after a successful camp last year.

All boys and girls aged 11-16 are welcome to attend the camp which will take place in the Main Hall at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.

The camp will start on Monday 26th July and will run every evening from 4.30pm to 6pm until Friday 30th July. The cost of the camp is just 20.

The course will be coached by some of the most qualified Volleyball Coaches in the country, and a number of Northern Irish international players.

Places are limited to 30, and will be on a first come first served basis. To register your place before it's too late, sign up at reception in the leisure centre.

For any further information please contact Johnny McClenaghan 07817061634 (Ballymoney Blaze) or John Fall (Community Sports Development Officer) 028 27660267.