Saturday 25th April 2015 saw the end of a remarkable 3 seasons for this particular group of young rugby players. Although this side was ultimately unsuccessful in clinching their third Ulster title in three seasons the fact that they made the final at all was an achievement in itself in that the squad size numbers the minimum 15. That they made the final and performed so admirably against an incredibly strong Monaghan side, who travelled North with a 23-man strong squad, speaks volume on the talent, drive and character of these remarkable young men.
CLICK HERE of Pro Images from the Ulster Final, the 3rd final in a row, these boys are superb players!
The core of the side has been together since they were in P5 and have come through a thriving Minis section of the club. Names like Oran Gilbert, Eoin McDonald, Cormac Devlin, Brandon McAllister, Fionn Johnston and Peter Cullen have essentially been playing in the same side for the last eight years, remarkable considering they’re only 14 years old.
Through this journey together a core group of players has emerged and many more added along the way culminating in their first year in Youth Rugby in 2012/13. Youth is markedly different to Minis Rugby, a fact that has since been altered to include an intermediate Maxi’s section in the intervening years to better bridge the differences and better prepare players for that jump. As such their coaches had a very raw group but one that from their very first session together obviously had phenomenal talent and potential. That first season finished with their first piece of silverware, the Ulster Bowl, won against a very tough City Of Derry RFC side at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena. That side would end up losing players moving to U15’s rugby with the likes of Daniel Cullen and Ruairi Griffin moving up the club ranks and so recruitment was required.
Undeterred the Youth section utilised the services of a Youth Development Officer who brought many new faces to the side. Under the tutelage of Paul Morris, back after a sabbatical the previous year, Ivan Millar, Sean O’Connor and John Kennedy these players would go on to great things by the season’s end. Training sessions would change to include more specialist positional training with a forward and backs split for a portion to work on core skills like scrummaging, the breakdown and lineout for the forwards with the backs concentrating on running lines, passing and kicking skills. These sessions would prove invaluable as the season progressed with the team going unbeaten all the while playing an expansive and entertaining brand of rugby. A criticism that can occasionally be levelled with some youth rugby is one where the ball is passed to the two or three bigger players who run through the opposition, beating them with size instead of skill. This is certainly not something that can be said about this squad as the team ethic is never more prevalent in the seamless way in which forwards and backs are integrated. The season culminated in a trip to Ravenhill, nearing its completion, for the Ulster Youth Cup Final vs Clogher Valley which was duly won in a dramatic and pulsating match which epitomised all that is great about the game, teamwork, commitment and enterprise. The cup and league campaign would take them throughout Ulster from local rivals Ballymena, to City of Derry, Monaghan and Virginia in Co. Cavan!
This past season has been more challenging to say the least. Following the loss of the stalwart McClean twins, Dylan and Adam following a family move, the squad was down to a barebones 16 players. If ever there was to be a season that would test their character and determination this would be it. Following the spectacular exploits of 2013/14 all of a sudden these players were everybody’s’ cup final. Despite this the boys continued to develop their games both personally and as a unit. There was to be another knock-out competition run but unfortunately it was to be the Plate this year instead of the Cup following a heart-breaking encounter with Malone. Although that match was tied at 14-14, Malone progressed as they scored first the first try. The boys picked themselves up and made the Plate their goal. Ballymoney were dispatched at Neillsbrook to set-up an away tie with Ballynahinch in the QF. Despite the size advantage in Hinch’s favour these boys never relented and spent the final 10mins encamped in their own ’22 protecting their lead unfortunately coming at a cost with a season ending injury to inside centre Conn McGee. The reward was a home semi-final vs local rivals Ballymena at Neillsbrook. A bumper home crowd from all sections of the club, minis, youth and senior came down to support their boys and were rewarded with an attacking masterclass wiping Ballymena out 42-5.
And so their 3-year journey ended this season how they finished their first – finals day at the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena. Throughout their journey these guys have been followed the length and breadth of Ulster by their parents, siblings and club supporters and this was no different. Unfortunately as with all finals, the formbook can be dispensed with, and a tough Monaghan side ran out 14-5 winners on the day. The players can take immense credit, to make it to a rugby final with a squad of 16 when your opponents can choose from 20-25 players minimum amply demonstrates the immense determination and character possessed by these young men.
Certainly the entire club, youth and senior, are looking forward to seeing where the game takes this particular squad.
These players will all return to the club next year and move up to U16 level where they will once again fight a league and cup campaign which will take them the length and breadth of Ulster.
As a footnote in tribute to the talent displayed by the squad we had four players eligible to be put forward for the regional Ulster Development Squad and we’re delighted to say all four, forwards Dominic O’Connor and Eoin McDonald and backs Peter Cullen and Matthew Luke have successfully made it into the squad match to be played at Rainey Old Boys RFC on 5th May. All at Randalstown Rugby Club wish these boys well and every success their hard work and talent deserve. We’re sure they’ll be joined by a few more of their team-mates in the next year as more become eligible.
