Michael Taylor Memorial Cup – Ards Select v Exiles
The annual Michael Taylor Memorial match took place at Ards on the 27th December, witnessed by a large crowd of festive onlookers. The game between an exilestaylor select versus an Ards select conjured an exciting contest.
Played on a soft surface it was the more experienced exiles team who opened the scoring through Chris (Chickadee) Rodgerson who scored a wonderful try in the corner. The Ards select fought back while the exiles struggling to hold down their turkey dinners, scoring two tries via Trevor (Mouth) Devlin and Richard (Jonny Vegas) Hamilton. The exiles gathered their digestive systems and put some phases of play together, with Simon Bailie and Steve Cole to the fore, to allow Tony Brown to make a break and score under the posts. This brought the game to a draw. However with the smell of mulled wine in the air the exiles switched off in anticipation of more festive refreshments. This allowed the Ards select to quietly slip through the gasping defences with Chris (Darren Cave) McClure scoring a fine try to leave the Ards select winning at half time by 19 to 12.
Suitable refreshed the game resumed with the Ards select on top. Tries were added by Matt McMullan and the pacey Stephen McKee. With Paul Cox guesting in the second row saying ” I’ll never slag the forwards again”. The exiles now wanted the game over and the chance to eat more mince pies. So they stepped up a gear and over powered the Ards select. Tries were added via number eight Neil Beggs who has finally found his position and the electric Jonathan Fletcher. The exiles then went into the lead with a second try from Neil Beggs. Into the final minute of play the Ards select produces the best phase of play of the day, with everyone involved to score under posts via Paul Cox to win the game and break the exiles hearts, a few exiles who were now in the clubhouse nearly dropped their pints in disgust. Final score 34-39.
Afterwards the Michael Taylor Memorial Cup was presented by club president Mike Spence to winning captain Trevor Spence. With Trevor giving a stirring acceptance speech, with many comparing it to the speech by Winston Churchill to his troops on the eve of D Day.
The ballot was greatly supported with Stewart Paul winning the top prize of a signed Andrew Trimble Ulster shirt. Dee Heron was heard to say that this is as close Stewarty will ever get to an Ulster Shirt of his own. However Shane Bar said he would show Dee his Ireland tatoo.
A great day was had by all particularly as Chris Allen didn’t turn up. With £465 was raised for Northern Ireland Leukeamia Research.
Thanks to Richard Cull for donating the signed shirt and to all others who donated prizes. Thanks also to Duncan Wallace for officiating, and as always Terry, Nutty and Mark in the clubhouse.
Ballots – Your Club, Your Country
To be returned to clubhouse by Saturday 5th January!
All players, parents and members are reminded to return the IRFU sponsored ballot Your Club, Your Country!
There are some great prizes to be won including a choice of 3 cars; flights, accommodation and tickets for Six Nation’s game in Rome, Scotland and Wales; Corporate packages for France and England games and corporate packages for Ulster games.
For those who want to support the club and may not be able to select their best Ulster team from the professional era; I’m sure any club member will help you!!
Additional ballots are available in the clubhouse.
Please return all ballots and monies to your team manager/coach/captain or leave with Terry in the clubhouse no later than Sat 5th January 2013.
Parents of Mini Rugby players can return them at training on Sun 6th January.
