Despite the rainy weather a huge contingent of over 20 Newforge Taggers were welcomed to Eaton Park on Sunday to play tag rugby. With a near maximum turnout of Ballymena Bears it meant that over 40 players took to the pitches and demonstrated some fantastic rugby skills.
With the clubhouse opened, the Taggers began the day with a welcome cup of tea and then it was out onto the pitch for some fun. Everyone shook out into the warm-up grid and a good run around soon got the blood pumping. Games of “Octopus” and “Sharks and Minnows” followed and then it was into the slalom poles for some passing down the line drills. Everyone suitably warmed up and skills tuned in, the two groups broke into teams of over and under 15’s.
The matches started and both sides raced back and forwards, up and down the pitches with tries flowing thick and fast. The Taggers over 15’s swapped their players and the fun began again. It was super to watch the many runs and skills on display with everyone trying their best and supporting their team mates. The games finished, it was time to end the session with a Bears favourite “What’s the time Mr Ref?”. Three cheers for the visiting team ended the play and everyone then moved into the clubhouse for some welcome hot refreshments.
Rugby boots off and everyone inside, the teams tucked into sausages kindly donated by Mcatamney’s Butchers ,Thomas St, cooked by Richard and Tim Montgomery of “Montgomerys”, served in bread rolls from RJ Kerr and with crisps from Tayto, all made for the perfect treat. A great morning was had by everyone and with Spoony from rugby’s charity Wooden Spoon on-hand to say hello, I don’t think anyone noticed that the rain had not stopped all morning!
Ballymena Bears is for young people with learning difficulties who meet to play tag rugby every other Sunday 10am at Eaton Park, new players and helpers are always welcome. More information can be found on our web site and facebook page www.facebook.com/ballymenabears.
