POWERADE TOWNS CUP: SEMI FINAL DRAW
The draw for the semi finals of the Powerade Towns Cup was made today at Ravenhill by John Robinson, IRFU (Ulster Branch) President and Katie Hutchinson, Powerade Events Team Manager.
Ballymena 2nds will host Clogher Valley, while Ballynahinch 2nds will be at home to Donaghadee.
Ballynahinch, having won the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup semi final earlier this season, will have high hopes of winning a cup double.
The Powerade Towns Cup is one of the oldest competitions in world rugby, with the first final played in 1883. The trophy was shared by Ballyclare and City of Derry last season after the teams drew 28-28 in the Easter Monday Final at Ravenhill.
John Robinson, President of the IRFU (Ulster Branch) commented: “The Towns Cup Final is one of the most prominent events in the Ulster Rugby calendar due to its rich history. The players and supporters of the clubs involved show great passion throughout the competition and that really adds to the excitement in each round. We watched last season’s final as City of Derry 2nds and Ballyclare drew in a terrific encounter and, looking at the semi final draw, I think we can expect a similar spectacle this year.”
Katie Hutchinson, Powerade Events Team Manager added, “Powerade is delighted to continue our support of Towns Cup rugby and as such, we are overjoyed to see the high number of clubs that have been competing in the Powerade Towns Cup throughout this season. We are very proud to be part of this competition, which showcases the exceptional talent of our local players and I wish all the teams the very best of luck in what are sure to be exciting semi final matches.”
IMAGE CAPTION:
Katie Hutchinson, Powerade Events Team Manager and John Robinson, IRFU (Ulster Branch) President, are pictured at the Powerade Towns Cup semi final draw at Ravenhill with (l-r) club captains Willie McKay (Ballymena 2nds), Stephen Baxter (Clogher Valley), James McBriar (Ballynahinch 2nds) and Alastair Lockhart (Donaghadee).
NOTES TO EDITOR:
1. The Powerade Towns Cup is one of the oldest competitions in world rugby, dating back to 1883, when it was first won by City of Derry.
2. It is confined to teams outside of Belfast, with city teams instead entering the McCrea Cup.
3. Since the resumption of play after World War II, where a town is represented by a senior club, their 2nd XV is the one that competes.
4. Dungannon is the most successful club with 19 outright wins and 1 shared success.
