Cookstown Rugby Club signed off on its 2010/2011 season by holding a number of key functions in its annual calendar:
Annual Tour of Malaga
On 21 of May Cookstown RFC embarked on its annual tour of Malaga. Thanks to the hard work and meticulous planning of club stalwart Owen Mallon, the club has now established good links and camaraderie with rugby clubs in Malaga and this tour has become an established feature in the club’s social calendar.
The clubs’ ranks were swelled by players from local clubs such as Dungannon and Rainey and also new players to the game who just came along to enjoy the ‘craic’. Following an early flight from Belfast International Airport, the boys kicked off the tour with a game against local club Marbella RFC. The players were clearly affected by the sweltering conditions however they soon pulled together to carve out a well earned victory to get the tour off to a flier. Although details are still sketchy, the remaining days of the tour contained a number of day excursions, barbecues and wine tasting events laid on by the host club. We look forward to next year’s tour.
Annual Awards Night
On 3 July the club held its annual awards night in the Glenavon House Hotel. The guests were hosted in a private function room and were treated to a fantastic three course meal.
This year’s event was a particularly glamorous affair as players and supporters were accompanied by their wives and girlfriends.
Following the meal, outgoing coach Graeme Eastwood thanked the players for their support and dedication throughout the season. In his final act, Graeme awarded Player of the Year to full back Michael McKeown, Best Newcomer to second-rower Colin Workman and Most Improved Player to John Paul Reah. Outgoing president Chris Moore selected prominent club man Mark Brown as his Clubman of the Year and the players elected outhalf Ciaran Currie as the Players Player of the Year. Ryan Eastwood also received the Top Try Scorer award for the second year in succession…it is hoped that he will pass the ball next season!
Following the speeches and awards, a court session was held where all of the misdemeanours incurred by the players over the course of the season were brought to light and forfeits handed out accordingly.
Annual General Meeting
The club recently held its Annual General Meeting in the Glenavon House Hotel. The club elected influential player Ryan Eastwood as its captain for the forthcoming season. In his final address to the committee, outgoing captain John Paul Reah (JP) expressed his gratitude to the players for their commitment during the season and outlined the need to build on the momentum the club has gathered over the past three years by developing its player base. JP also thanked the many businesses around Cookstown who support the team financially throughout the year. The players and committee also mentioned a special thanks to local photographer Daron Patterson for his dedication to the team by taking time out of his local fire fighting duties to follow the team through ‘thick and thin’.
Cookstown Rugby Club prepare for new season
Cookstown RFC’s preparations for the 2011/12 season are well underway. The players are currently undergoing an intensive training programme under the watchful eye of fitness guru Stefan Kerr and experienced Dungannon player Philip Stinson. Team Captain Ryan Eastwood is pleased with the commitment the players have shown to date and the progress they have made. Ryan is also excited to see several experienced players return to the fold after a long sabbatical from the game. The club and players are also pleased to see so many new players turn out for training, many of whom have no experience in the game and generally have a GAA background. To date players from local GAA clubs such as Kildress, Cookstown, Ardboe and Galbally have all been represented and have been warmly welcomed by the players. Captain Ryan Eastwood has been impressed with what he has seen so far ‘with their excellent levels of fitness, ball handing skills and strong running these GAA boys have made an easy transition to the game of rugby, many of the lads who joined in previous years have already established themselves in the 1stXV, experienced players returning and new players means competition for places, this can only be good for the club’.
Training is held at the Mid Ulster Sports Area (MUSA) on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Saturdays at 1pm. Anyone interested in playing the game of rugby will be warmly welcomed or if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the club by email: cookstownrugbyclub@yahoo.co.uk.
Rematch with Cookstown Old Boys and Annual Club Barbecue
On Saturday 30 July, Cookstown Rugby Club will play its first fixture of the 2011 season with a rematch against the club’s ‘Old Boys’. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm in the club grounds at Drapersfield. Following the game, the Club will host its annual barbecue for the local community. The event is open to everyone with plenty of activities planned after the game. Refreshments will also be available.
Although this is a preseason fixture and an opportunity for the coaches to cast their eye over new players, this match will by no means be regarded as a ‘friendly’ by either set of players. Having put in a disappointing performance in the corresponding fixture last year, which ended in a draw; the 1stxv will be looking to put the record straight this time. However, the ‘Old Boys’, under the leadership of experienced campaigner Chris Moore will no doubt look at last years game as a missed opportunity, especially since they held a 25 point lead. This time ‘The Old Boys’ will want to put the issue of deciding ‘who is best’ to bed. Both teams have been playing mind games and a lot of talking has been done off the pitch, so clearly, this fixture will not be for the faint of heart.
Photo 1 Cookstown RFC captain Ryan Eastwood
Photo 2 Players Player of the year Ciaran Currie
Photo 3 Cookstown RFC pose with Marbella RFC after their tour game
