Picture: Cillian Willis at the 2009 Carrick 7’s
The draw for the 2010 Guinness Carrick Sevens has thrown together some fantastic contests throughout the one hundred and fifteen scheduled matches over the weekend of the 30th to April to the 2nd of May.
As always the Kukri Sportswear Under 19s will see some of the top young players in Ulster showing their talent on the Friday evening, in front of an expectant crowd. BRA pupils the “Big Cats” will kick off the tournament against Larne, with twelve teams in total taking part. English visitors Surrey Colts will be looking to retain the title they won last year but will be tested in the opening rounds by the Grosvenor Stags and a Donegal County team. Traditional visitors Telford College will again make the pilgrimage from Edinburgh, while previous winners Malone and Dungannon will be looking to show a competitive edge. While for the locals the most eagerly contested match will between Carrickfergus and the Wreckin Boys, who are a team made up of Carrick Grammar pupils. Players from both of these sides will have been playing beside each other 48 hours earlier in the U19s Plate final for Carrick but will leave their friendships behind for this match in Group 2.
On Saturday the Guinness Open has equalled the largest number of entries ever seen at Woodlawn, with over half of the thirty two sides coming from outside the province. Last years format has continued, with a knock out process being used for the midday kick off but each team is still guaranteed a minimum of three matches.
This has thrown together some intriguing first round matches, such as the Justin Fitzpatrick coached Tyrone Marauders side against Grosvenor Stags, while 2006 winners Academy will renew their league rivalry with CIYMS. English side Eton Manor led by local player David Hanna will go up against some of his former team mates when he takes on BHSFP.
Last years winners Wooden Spoon will face Novos Gremlins from Newcastle Upon Tyne, while last years finalists the Mighty Peth, also from the North East of England will face the PSNI. Two Fijian sides will be looking to show some South Sea Island flair, who along with several unknown quantities such as HCU Wildcats, Old Campellians and Club de Buckfast who are a mixture of Scottish and Ballyclare players, will be looking to cause a few upsets. Carrickfergus will supply three teams for the competition, with the Presidents being led by Paul Greenaway, the Woodlawn Warriors led by Robbie Williams and Club Captain Glen Picken will be incharge of the Carrick team. Another team to watch are the Abbey Ulster Exiles who are drawn from students across England and Scotland, with their coach Mark Henderson having high hopes for them.
The Sunday competitions have thrown together some equally mouth watering ties, with the Manvik Premier tournament moving back to teams drawn from the All Ireland League. Belfast Harlequins and Ards will be represented, while Instonians will be playing under the Deviants name. However Ulster, who will feature players mainly from their Academy, will be wanting to go well, under the watchful of eye of former Irish international Johnny Bell. The Kukri King Cobras may be the dark horses, with players drawn from both senior and junior clubs, while the Autobots will have everyone guessing!!
The Abbey Insurance ladies 10s will again bring a fantastic mix of commitment and fun to the event, however Cooke may have difficulty holding onto their title, with a number of highly competitive sides drawn from England and Wales. In particular the Wooden Spoon Lionesses, who will feature a number of capped players will be keen to make an impact. While Pontyclun Falcons will be looking to show some Welsh flair after missing last year. Six teams will represent Ulster, with Enniskillen making their debut in the tournament. Irish International referee Simon McDowell will just be hoping that all competitors end the game fully clothed this year.
This year all the competitions will operate on a knock out format either from the start of the tournament or after the group stages, which will result in Cup, Plate and Bowl finals. This will keep a far larger number of teams involved in the tournaments and cater for a greater range of standards.
Other events over the weekend will include the annual Carrickfergus versus Forrester match but this will take place on Sunday morning at 10:30. In addition to the on field action there will be plenty of live music in the Guinness Marquee on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The committee has also worked hard to secure additional car parking areas adjacent to the rugby pitches at a knock down cost of only £3 for the whole day. So get down as early as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on any action. For any additional information please go to www.carricksevens.co.uk
