Ballymena Bears shine at Ravenhill International Tag Rugby Festival
A wet day on Saturday did nothing to dampen spirits at the Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby Festival hosted by Ulster rugby at Ravenhill stadium. Over 350 players from 44 teams across the entire island of Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales were in attendance each playing at least 5 games in the day.
The Ballymena Bears fielded 2 teams; U15s (Bear Cubs) and over 15s (Big Bears) both in the Stage 2 category. Following an early registration and settling in to seats in the Grandstand the Bear Cubs headed down at 10am to take to the pitch for their first game against the Newforge Taggers. The Cubs quickly settled their big stadium nerves recording an excellent draw against a seasoned opposition. The Big Bears opened their account with a thrilling win against a newly formed Ballyclare Hares.
Exciting and fast flowing matches against Witney Wolves, Westmanstown Taggers, Vale of Evesham, Harberton Seahorses, Errigal Eagles and Glenveagh were all played by the 2 teams during the rest of the day with the last matches taking place at 4.30pm. The day also saw the first ever appearance of “Rory” the Bears mascot and what a debut it was, with a sprint finish win against all the other team mascots including Ulster rugby’s “Sparky” and “Spoony” from Wooden Spoon, rugby’s charity for disadvantaged children.
At the closing ceremony the Ballymena Bears were announced as winners of the U15s Stage 2 Fair Play Award. The Bears proudly received their trophy from the newly elected Mayor of Belfast, a superb end to a truly memorable day with sportsmanship and fun shining through!
