This time of year can evoke many mixed feelings for young boys, the end of summers freedom, the inevitability of a return back to the classroom for another term of times tables, but for a group of young players from Inishowen rugby club, in the dying embers of August there was one last nugget of enjoyment to be had.
Friday the 31st of August heralded the opening fixture of the Rabo Direct Pro 12 season with Ulster playing Glasgow Warriors and there to help mark the occasion was a delegation from the mini rugby squad who had been invited to the Ravenhill stadium to play an exhibition match during the half time interval.
On arrival at the ground, the boys were met by the very impressive ‘meet and greet’ team who gave them a few mementoes before escorting them to their specially reserved seats where they were able to enjoy the opening half along with the 8,000 + other spectators. 5 minutes before half time the boys were brought to the pitch gate to be ready to go on and as a result, they were only feet away from the first Ulster try of the season with winger Mike Allen sliding over the try line just in front of the boys.
Also there for the half time foray were squads from Donegal Town, Clogher Valley and Civil Service Rugby Clubs, and whilst these teams took to the pitch in a very orderly manner, the young gentlemen from Inishowen, sensing perhaps that this was a very unique opportunity took to the field like Rock Gods, strutting, dancing, posturing and generally whipping up a great response from a very amused and appreciative crowd.
Playing against their counterparts from Civil Service RFC, Inishowen had to back up their initial showmanship with a good rugby performance – they did not disappoint, and a very enjoyable match followed. Two distinct styles were evident from the teams, Inishowens direct and strong attacking running was countered by some very skilful passing, agility and clever attacking angles from Civil Service. The game was very even until Inishowen’s Lee McLaughlin managed to wriggle his way over the try line to claim a score, with the game only being 8 minutes long Civil Service just ran out of time to equalise, but both teams would have to be commended for a great display in front of such a big crowd.
After the final whistle, it was over to the centre spot for a squad photo with Stephen Ferris, Andrew Trimble, and the popular Sparky the Ulster mascot before making their way back to their seats to allow for the commencement of the second half, and a raid on the nearest burger van.
Throughout their visit, the boys displayed great exuberance and brought a good deal of Inishowen magic to proceedings, with many positive comments from fellow spectators, Ulster Rugby staff and the public address announcer! Before home, there was just enough time to swamp Stephen Ferris, Tommy Bowe and Chris Farrell for autographs and more pictures.
Inishowen Rugby Club would like to thank all of the staff at Ulster Rugby, their fellow players from Civil Service, Donegal Town and Clogher Valley and everyone that helped to make it such a memorable occasion. Whilst we were only able to bring twelve players with us on the night, it might not be too long before there is a much bigger Inishowen contingent heading back to Ravenhill!
