The Maxol sponsored Carrickfergus RFC 1st XV continued their preparations for the 2010/11 season, winning the Randalstown tournament on Saturday for the third time out of the last four years.
They started slowly with a 3 all draw against Ballymoney but in the next 2 matches, they defeated the hosts 25pts to 3 pts, with tries from Neil Marsden, Johnny Sherriff and 2 from Glenn Baxter and then Ballymena 5pts to nil, with a Wes Anderson try, to top their group. They then faced Holywood in the semi-finals, winning 14 pts to nil, with scores from Andy McKeen and Neil Marsden. This only left Lurgan in the final, who the team beat comfortably 15 pts to 3 pts, with the tries coming from Jason Wady and Craig Jordan. Johnny Sherriff scored 22 pts throughout the tournament. This was a good team performance with all 18 players making contributions to the victory, with head coach Gary Leslie particularly satisfied with the team only conceding 9 pts throughout the day.
With the 2nd XV defeating Larne 2s on Friday evening and the 3rd drawing with a BHSFP 1st & 2nd squad on Saturday, this nearly brings to a close the pre season preparations. Under the coaching skills of Gary Leslie and Warren McClean the senior and U19s squads have been working hard over the last 6 weeks. This has seen 15 new players joining the senior squad from last seasons successful U19s, including their captain Chris Ferris and a large number of school leavers from Carrick Grammar and Belfast High School joining. In addition a number of players have returned to the club such as Matt McDowell or from long term injury such as Richard Higgins and Curtis Rea. The club are also pleased to annouce that former Ulster winger Scott Young has taken up a part time coaching role, adding in vast experience to the players.
The increase in playing numbers has been reflected in an additional team being entered for this season, making Carrickfergus one of only a handful of clubs in Ulster able to field five senior sides, as well as an U19s.
Club President Gerry Simms is looking forward to the season and wishes all the players, captains and coaches a successful and injury free season.
This seasons captain are:
1st XV Stuart Currie
2nd XV Jamesy Hagan
U19 XV Nathan Greenwood
3rd XV Kris James
4th XV Craig McArthur
5th XV Gareth Clarke
Fixtures for this weekend:
1st XV Armagh at home, friendly (Friday night 7:30 ko)
2nd XV Ballyclare 2 away league
U19 XV Ballyclare away
3rd XV Grosvenor 3 home league
4th XV Ballyclare 4 home league
