Kelly aims for cup glory at Ravenhill

The boys from Glynn take on Holywood in the Gordon West Cup final at the home of Ulster Rugby this weekend where they will be aiming to get their hands on the silverware.

It will, however, be a day of mixed emotions for coach Laurence Kelly who takes charge of the team for the last time. It will also mark the end of an era for James McCluggage in his final match as skipper on Saturday.

Kelly told the Times: “It’s a great day for the players and everyone involved with the club but it will also be my last game in charge as club coach - a role which I have thoroughly enjoyed over the last two years.

“It has been a good season overall with the team just missing out on Qualifying League 3 promotion to Holywood - the side we face in the final.

“Every rugby player in Ulster dreams about playing at Ravenhill, but getting to the final is only part of the journey. For me, it’s not just about getting there, we must kick on and win it. Holywood are a good side and we will need to be at our best to beat them.

“I know the players will give everything they have, not just for the club but for each other. It’s a young side with bags of talent but we will need to get the basics right and work hard to achieve the victory.

“The team will be led by James (McCluggage) in his final game as captain and if anyone deserves to lift a trophy it’s him. He has been an excellent leader on and off the pitch.”

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