On Saturday evening the Randalstown Rugby Club held their annual dinner and the awards ceremony which is an integral part of proceedings saw the following winners.
1st XV Player’s player of the year Ryan Bailie. Ryan has come into his own at outhalf this season and is a strong and reliable presence in the back line.
Manager’s Player of the year Dan Wilson – Dan turns in big performances every week and is always in contention for the man of the match award so not a big surprise that he got the nod as player of the year.
2nd XV Player’s player of the year Matty Turner – The popular outhalf was a clear winner in this category suggesting that the second XV can be discerning on occasion. Well deserved.
Manager’s player of the year Conor Murray – 1st season at senior level and has been a prolific scorer. Works hard at his kicking and that has certainly shown on the pitch. Another young player with great potential
3rd XV Player’s player of the year Ash McClenaghan – 3rd XV stalwart who unfortunately couldn’t be present to collect his award on the evening but a well deserved winner
Manager’s player of the year Brian Gourley. Brian can play centre or wing and is a very capable young player. He has stepped up to the 2nd XV on a couple of occasions this season and impressed.
Overall club player of the year Garry Irwin Garry has returned this season after completing his studies in Manchester. Not only has he competed enthusiastically for the 1st XV, but gives freely of his time to assist with coaching in the Junior section.
Young player of the year Matt Mawhinney. Matt beat off strong competition in this category so very well done on this award.
Presidents Cup for clubman of the year Gregor Sloane. Gregor has enjoyed 24 years at Neillsbrook and having recently retired from playing took on the role of 2nd XV Manager. A successful season this year has contributed to his consideration for this well deserved award.
It was as usual a thoroughly enjoyable evening and the award winners are to be congratulated as there was stiff competition in every category.
The build up to one of the most exciting games in the history of Randalstown Rugby Club has begun as the 2nd XV bid for League and Cup double glory against near neighbours Ballymena 5s, also going for a league and cup double.
With youth triumph over experience? It is sure to be a nail-biting affair for all concerned and the Randalstown faithfull are attending in droves to cheer on their team.
Adrian Johnston, Club Chairman, had this to say:
‘On behalf of Randalstown Rugby Club I would like to extend our best wishes to our 2nd XV in the Forster Cup Final this weekend. This has been an unprecedented season for our seconds, not only have they won their league, Junior 4 but they have done so by remaining unbeaten all year. A trip to Ravenhill is a fitting climax to their season.
Manager Gregor Sloane and his trustworthy captain Sammy Hyndman deserve great credit for guiding this youthful team to their success, they play an exciting brand of rugby and we hope they will enjoy the wide open spaces of Ravenhill on Saturday.
It is always an exciting prospect when we face our local rivals Ballymena and all the more so now we are meeting them at the Kingspan, a large travelling Randalstown support look forward to sharing their camaraderie in what we hope will be an entertaining final.
To all the players, coaching staff and supporters,
Good luck and Enjoy
Head coach Gary Longwell is delighted and very proud of this 2nd XV and the typically modest presence that he is , attributed the effort turned in at training week on week, together with the inspired leadership of captain Hyndman, as the pivotal reasons for the success they have enjoyed. Never mind that he plotted the development and success of the seconds as part of his master plan to ultimately strengthen his playing pool at 1st XV level, although even with his considerable rugby nous he could not, with the rest of us watchers, have predicted that this very young team would have topped the league unbeaten and reached the cup final!
It would be remiss not to mention the contribution of the very strong Randalstown youth section as it is very apparent how many of this 2nd XV have featured in it before taking to the senior stage. Onwards and upwards for the red and white army!
The supporters buses will leave Neillsbrook at 11.30 am sharp on Saturday and will return by 4.00 pm. Food will be available in the clubhouse on return, the bar will be open and entertainment is planned to assist with celebration or communal commiserations. Naturally we hope it is a day for celebration and the experience and memories will no doubt last for a long time particularly for the players as they take a run out at headquarters.
This season the club welcomed on board SAM Mouldings from Antrim and a few of the team took delivery of sponsored polo shirts.
Richard Holmes (Managing Director) and Simone Myles (Marketing Executive) of SAM present Randalstown Rugby Club with polo shirts ahead of the 2nd XV’s Forster Cup final appearance on Saturday. Representing the club are 2nd XV players (L-R) Matty Turner, Jamie Orr, Chris Donnelly and Mark Strange.
Richard Holmes, SAM Managing Director commented “We are delighted to sponsor Randalstown Rugby Club this year and wish the 2nd XV every success in the final of the Forster Cup at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday”
Please remember our various sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t be able to enjoy facilities, kit and transport to the various venues throughout Ulster. Often underacknowledged and unrecognised all at Randalsotwn are very conscious that without this support we might not be in this privileged position on Saturday. To this end we urge that our sponsors are recognised promoted, and supported wherever possible.
There are many unsung heroes who make a day like this possible – you know who you are. The back room boys who ensure that the facilities are maintained, the management committee who work tirelessly to ensure that Randalstown remains up there in Junior rugby circles. All at Randalstown hope to see everyone decked out in club colours on Saturday afternoon at Ravenhill (Kingspan Stadium) to make it a day to remember.
All that remains to be said is a huge GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! – bring it back lads!
