On Friday 20th and Saturday 21 August, Ophir Rugby Club will host their traditional Seven-a Side competition at Magowan Park, The Cottonmount, Mallusk. In a departure from the usual one-day event, the competition will kick off on the Friday evening with Under 19 teams challenging for the Ken Bonar Memorial Trophy. Entries have been confirmed from Ballyclare, Ballymena, Carrick, Instonians, Larne, Randalstown, Ophir and the current champions, Malone. The competition will run from 6.30pm to 9.00.
For the Will Totten Memorial Trophy senior competition on Saturday, entries have been received from Antrim, Ballyclare, Ballynahinch, BHSFP, Carrick, Lisburn, Malone, Queens University, Randalstown, Ophir and the current champions, Dungannon. Matches will be played in two sections, on a league basis, and the winners and runners up in each section will contest the semi finals.
As well as the rugby, Ophir will have entertainment for younger children including face painting, a bouncy castle and, for the first time, “have-a-go” archery. There will be the usual beer tent and burger/hot dog stall, overall providing an entertaining day out for the entire family.
The Event this year will again have Newtownabbey Council Sports Development as the principle sponsor. The Club also very much appreciates the generous support of many local businesses and companies, who advertise in the programme.
Club President, David Haggan said, “I am looking forward to this year’s Sevens and I am delighted with the expansion of the event to the previous evening. This indicates the growing success of the tournament and it is reflected in the growing success of our Club. We are very proud to have opened our new clubhouse just last week and for the first time in many years, in the coming season, Ophir will field three senior teams in Ulster Branch competitions. Exciting times are ahead and it all starts on Saturday!”
Entry for spectators is free, and the afternoon matches kick off at 1.00pm, with the final scheduled for around 5.30pm.
InTouch Rugby will be covering both Friday and Saturday.
