U16s ON THEIR WAY TO RAVENHILL

Their coach, Mr Jacques Benade, believes that the squad deserve to be in the final after a hard year’s work.

“This year’s campaign started in October 2012 with TJ Morris lifting the Pollock Cup continuing Dromore’s dominance in the competition winning the Cup for the 10th year in a row,” he said.

“We had excellent fixtures throughout the year to get us ready for this years U16 competition by playing against some very strong grammar schools’ Second and Third fifteen teams.

“We had great victories against Banbridge Academy, Down High, Grosvenor and RS Armagh.

“Our first big opposition was in the quarter-final when we played Downshire, and we knew this will be a big test for us, remembering that this was the school who knocked us out last year in the second round.

“We were drawn away to Downshire and I knew that if we played to our potential we can walk away with a good victory.

“Preparations were very good and the commitment of the boys during training showed that we were ready for this game.

“My theory was confirmed and we played excellent rugby, scoring six brilliant tries against a very good Downshire team, winning 39-5.”

Dromore were handed a semi-final draw at home to Ballymoney where the boys worked very hard and used few new calls they worked on during the two weeks.

“I knew our boys were ready and up for the challenge,” the Dromore coach said.

“Our play in the first 25 minutes was untouchable; we did exactly what we talked about doing in our build up to the game, and robbed Ballymoney of any hope. It was an excellent team performance and a great victory.”

Looking forward to the final, the Dromore coach said, “To play at Ravenhill is something to savour and it is a fantastic reward for schoolboys to play on the same pitch as the professionals who they wish to emulate.

“Good luck boys, you deserve to be there especially with all the hard work you have put in throughout the season.

“Thanks to all of the parents who dropped off the boys in the mornings early and picked up again in the afternoon.”