Rugby club in good health on and off pitch - chairman

Derek Montgomery believes that the Eaton Park club is in a good position both on and off the field.

“It has all been pretty positive but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves at this stage - we’re only halfway through the season.

“The boys have gelled really well and they are really fond of Andy (Graham) who is a really down-to-earth guy.

“It has been a three-year plan aimed at building the squad. When Andy came in he was determined to bring through local boys who wanted to play for Ballymena and they have matured together.

“There has been a dearth of silverware around the club and it is a big thing for us to win this competition.

“It will certainly be a massive challenge for us against a Division 1A side but we are hoping to give a good account of ourselves.

“It would be a great boost for the club before Christmas because the boys have been working hard since pre-season and since then, they have played in the Ulster League, the Senior Cup and the All-Ireland League and they have only lost one competitive match since the start of August.

“Away from the pitch, the corporate side of things has been a big success.

“We’re having a Big Ball event at Galgorm Resort and Spa in April and we have sold it out before Christmas which is testament to the hard work that is going on within the club,” added Derek.