Arriving at Ballymena Rugby Club on Friday evening with the sun shining on a good evening for a social event that included a game in memory of John Nicholl, the club is presented very well, on the driveway leading up to the clubhouse a number of key sponsors advertsing hoardings have been positioned to promote those companies. To the left of that driveway is a practice pitch complete with posts and fully marked out. To the right of the driveway is the main pitch in front of the clubhouse and beyond that pitch are two more pitches. A lot of care and attendtion has gone into the presentation of the main pitch with its spectators stand and clearly the pitches themselves have been given the utmost care by expert ground work and maintenance.
A quick tour of the club reveals spacious parking, the player changing area has a special feel to it. Here the teams emerge dressed in the famous black jersey, anyone who has played will recognise the atmosphere of those changing rooms that this year have hosted several players who have been developed by Ballymena Rugby Club and are from Ballymena who have been spotted by the Ulster Rugby provincial side and who regularly play for Ballymena alongside the 5 adult teams the club fields. One player is also contracted to the Irish Rugby Football Union again a player of distinction. There are many others.
After the game we entered the main clubhouse bar (there is also a players bar up stairs with a balcony for game day) and function room which is bright and modern. On Friday night that bar and function room where busy as a Hog Roast and social evening had been arranged for Friends and family and was supported very well.
We took social pictures on the night and to see them CLICK HERE
To follow are InTouch TVV interviews post game.
Thank you very much to Ballymena RFC for your hospitality and the friendliness of all those we met.
