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| PRE SEASON TRAINING NEWS ( 12 July 2010 ) |
| Before formal training begins, all players old and new are invited to take part in summer touch rugby sessions which will take place at KILRAUGHTS ROAD THURSDAYS 7.00 PM ALL NEW PLAYERS WILL BE MADE VERY WELCOME ALL NEW PLAYERS WILL BE MADE VERY WELCOME Contact Jonny Hanna on 07879606664 KEEP CHECKING HERE FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF TRAINING ARRANGEMENTS |
| SUMMER RUGBY CAMPS AT KILRAUGHTS ( 23 June 2010 ) |
| Benjy Van Der Byl has just announced dates for his summer camps at Kilraughts. Dates are: 6-12 yr olds: July 5th - 9th 10.30 am - 1.30 pm 11-18 yr olds: August 2nd - 6th 3.00 - 6.00 pm See Club gallery for details Book online NOW at vdbsports.co.uk |
| UNDER 17s BOW OUT IN STYLE... Malone letter ( 24 April 2010 ) |
| Our Under 17s, one of our most celebrated squads, lost out in the Brewin Dolphin Cup Semis to malone in a pulsating match on Wednesday. In the first of its kind this season, a letter from the malone coaches was received on Friday. We have included its generous comment here for you to read. The next time you see an U17 player or one of their coaches, tell them just how proud you are of their achievements and the excellent example they have set on your club's behalf... Dear Craig (Whyte) Many thanks for the hospitality last night. It was a very hard fought game and to be honest we feel fortunate to have come out the right side of the result. Your boys were a credit to Ballymoney RFC and themselves. In the second half they imposed their game plan extremely well completely negating ours in the process. I was both pleased and surprised to hear ALL the Malone supporters giving your team very warm applause as they left the field some time after the game. Whilst we always try and be positive towards our opposition this was something a bit more, a good bit more, than usual. It was a demonstration of genuine respect for the effort your lads put in. Small comfort I know but please pass on our best wishes to your team and coaches. There's surely more to come from that squad in the future. Cheers Alan (Malone Coach) |
| ELECTION TIME!!! WHO OWNS THE FACE OF THE TOWNS' CUP FINAL? ( 24 April 2010 ) |
| Current leader 13th April: Photo 9 "Yessss" This weekend the Toon website began the search for the face of the Towns' Cup Final. From a long list of possibles, 18 finalists have been be chosen and displayed on the club gallery. Your job will be to decide which face sums up your memory of the 2010 Towns' Cup. Then all you have to do is email your vote to garrytoon@virgin.net The winner will be placed on the club's homepage and will be printed for display behind the bar. |
| UPCOMING APRIL FIXTURES ( 17 April 2010 ) |
| WEDNESDAY 14th APRIL U17 in Dolhin Brewin Cup Semi Final at Kilraughts 7.00 pm FRIDAY 16th APRIL 1stXV at home to Coleraine 6.45 pm SATURDAY 17th APRIL McCambley Cup Final .... 4s V Ards Ravenhill SUNDAY 18th APRIL Rosie Stewart Bowl Final Ladies v ??? TBC CALLING ALL MEMBERS WE NEED PUBLICITY FOR OUR NW200 CAMPSITE PLEASE HELP US IN ANY WAY YOU CAN! U17 Semi Final of Brewin TBC Several important League matches remain unplayed. We'll update as soon as we have the details. |
| WAIDE'S FOURS HEAD TO RAVENHILL THIS SATURDAY ( 17 April 2010 ) |
| This Saturday the J.T Autos sponsored Ballymoney 4’s travel to Ravenhill to contest the McCambley Cup against Ards 4thxv. The boys from the “Toon” will be hoping to emulate the victorious 1st xv who secured the Towns Cup on Easter Monday. Similar to the 1st this is a competition Ballymoney have never won although they have contested the final on a couple of occasions with the last time being 2002. They know it will take a big performance as they are against a very strong team which includes members of Ulster’s European winning Heinken Cup team, an Ulster player from last season and numerous players with AIL experience. However the lads are confident in their own ability and know that on their day they are a match for anyone having already secured the League title. Captain John Waide and the team would really appreciate as many spectators as possible to travel to Ravenhill this Saturday to cheer on the lads in the hope that the club can return home with a second cup this season. The team would like to thank its main sponsor J.T .Autos for donating socks and shorts to ensure the lads are smartly kitted out and to Logo Wear for supplying them with pre match polo shirts. Anyone wanting to travel on the supporters' bus can contact the bar staff on 27662991 to book a place. |
| Leon Continues to Impress ( 17 April 2010 ) |
| Congratulations to Leon Beattie from our U17s who has continued to impress Ulster selectors. He is included in arrangements for further selection sessions with Ulster U17 (east). Well done from all of us at the Toon! |
| WANTED: YOUR TOWNS' CUP PHOTOS! ( 10 April 2010 ) |
| If you were present at any part of Monday's historic day and took photos of the goings on, we really would like you to send us some. We hope to gather together and archive memories of this historic win and to paint a picture of the whole day. We would like to receive photos from : The Brunch n Bus Spectators at the match The Match itself Celebrations at Ravenhill The Celebration party at Kilraughts Please take a moment or two to add a simple caption so that we know who is who etc. Please email your photos to garrytoon@virgin.net ***CALLING ALL MEMBERS WE NEED PUBLICITY FOR OUR NW200 CAMPSITE PLEASE HELP US IN ANY WAY YOU CAN!*** |
| FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES!!! ( 10 April 2010 ) |
| The Toon certainly does have some friends in high places!! We received an email from Stephen Stuart.... "from sunny Pokhara , Nepal.... Congratulations and well done on a great win in the towns cup final!" When we receive other long distance messages, we'll pass them on. |
| EMAILS RECEIVED ON CLUB WEBSITE ( 10 April 2010 ) |
| A number of Emails were received from the following folk with best wishes / congratulations messages. We'll try to keep the list up to date. (great international flavour!) All are very much appreciated! John & Phyllis Logan, Coleraine......Good Luck! Joe Gleeson & all @ Nenagh Ormond Best wishes &good luck On Mon. You can Do It. Stephen Stuart, from sunny Pokhara , Nepal....Congratulations and well done on a great win in the towns cup final! Jeff Young Florida.....Good Luck in the final (McCambley Cup?? gm) – Bring the trophy back to the “toon” again. I remember the last time I was there in the final fondly! All the best Lads. ................................................. |
| BALLYMONEY TEAMS BOOK PLACES AT RAVENHILL ( 31 March 2010 ) |
| In what has already been a wonderful year for our club, there is the promise of yet more rugby during the late season's end during April. Our firsts have qualified for the Town's Cup Final which will be played on Easter Monday at 2.30 pm. Jason Taggart's men are currently in the middle of a very heavy schedule with both cup and league fixtures being finished off. Their away win at Dungannon was played with great style and efficiency. The huge travelling support was a credit to Ballymoney. Our Fourths have their own day at Ravenhill when, on April 17th they meet ??((old rivals Ballymena 5s))?? in the McCambley Cup Final. Having topped their league and completed a really gruelling cup path, this is a fitting end for John Waide's excellent squad. Strengthened by the work of our new 5XV, there is depth, experience and youth. The final contest wil also be worthy of your support. All Ulster rugby players aspire to that Ravenhill trip and we at Ballymoney have been rewarded with two squads of players fulfilling their dreams. For some it will be a return to and old haunting ground but for others it will be a very special first visit. To all we pass on our heartiest congratulations and our best wishes for a safe and successful experience at the home of Ulster rugby. CALLING ALL MEMBERS WE NEED PUBLICITY FOR OUR NW200 CAMPSITE PLEASE HELP US IN ANY WAY YOU CAN! |
| NORTH WEST 200 CAMPSITE UPDATE ( 28 March 2010 ) |
| The club plans to run a North West 200 Campsite in May. A sub committee has been set up with Johnny Hannah and Garry McIlwaine reporting back to the Executive in April Story so far * health and safety discussions held with Ballymoney BC * marketing initiated with website to be updated * 8 major areas for further development decided upon * Isle of Man Contacts activated * £2 per booking donation to Robert Dunlop Mem. Garden Email garrytoon@virgin.net to indicate your interest. We really do need all club members to pull together on this one. |
| LADIES MAKE THEIR FIRST FINAL! ( 13 March 2010 ) |
| On Sunday (28th February), Ballymoney Ladies Rugby Team entertained Cavan Ladies at Kilraughts road. In this, their first season of rugby, the Ballymoney Ladies had reached the semi final of the Rosie Stewart Bowl. On a day perfect for rugby, the Toon Ladies received the kick and immediately put the visitors under pressure, pushing them back deep into their own territory. This was to be the order of the day, as rarely were the Ballymoney Ladies inside their own half. Strong scrummaging and quick hands from scrum half and captain Gill Powell were the order of the day, as time and again Ballymoney pushed Cavan backwards. Ever watchful out half Sam Hickinson worked the ball to centres Jodie McAneaney and Claire McLaughlin, setting up penetrating attacks by wingers Bronagh McDonnell and Paula Rosborough and ably assisted by full back Alex Shirlow. Strong pack leadership was provided throughout the game by no. 8 Julie Newton, who continually led by example, breaching the visitors defence, providing blistering tackles and keeping the momentum going forward. The strong front row forwards of Charlene McClaffery, Frances McIlmoyle and Andrea Barkley were driven forward in the scrums by the engine house second rows of Nicola Pattison and Heather Mitchell. Wing forwards Darlene Lyons and Carla Dickie provided pressure on the Cavan backline by bursting off the defensive scrum. The Ballymoney lineout worked well throughout the game, the Ladies winning their fair share of their own put in and Cavan’s. Midway through the first half, inside centre McAneaney fired the ball to her outside counterpart McLaughlin, who broke the Cavan line and ran in the first try, which was duly converted by Dickie. The score at the halfway point 7 – 0 to Ballymoney. The second half again saw the Ballymoney Ladies put Cavan under pressure. From the kick, the ladies chased the opposition down, forcing errors from Cavan. Ten minutes in Newton grabbed the ball, before charging through the Cavan defence to score beneath the posts. Dickie again added the conversion. In their bid to return home having scored at least some points the Cavan team made a charge on the Ballymoney defence, and through a moment of poor communication from Ballymoney, were able to score a converted try in the Ballymoney half. Subs Lauren Boyd and sisters Judith and Emma Elliott, were on hand to provide relief to the tired Ballymoney legs and were introduced in the closing 15 minutes to provide a valuable contribution to the Ballymoney game. The Ballymoney determination was evident as again the backline provided accurate ball to McLaughlin, who evaded the Cavan defence before running in her second score of the day. Dickie kicked the final points of the day bringing the final score to 21 – 7 to the Toon Ladies. Afterwards, Captain Powell commented “We really didn’t know what to expect today from the Cavan Ladies. We had our worries as we have a couple of girls out injured at the moment. However, credit must go to the team, as we focused on the job at hand and through good communication, strong tackling and accurate ball handling, we proved that our weeks of hard training can produce the desired result”. The final of the competition is expected to be held in April, the exact date and venue to be announced by the Ulster Branch. Watch this space. |
| DAILY TELEGRAPH PUZZLE SOLVED!! ( 15 February 2010 ) |
| An email from Malone RFC has dated our newspaper cutting (see news item) to the 1958 - 1959 season. Many thanks to Raymond Thomas and Uel Tedford at Malone who seem to have their archives organised very systematically. The power of the internet and our family in rugby! |
| TOON LINKS CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS' SUCCESSES ( 14 February 2010 ) |
| The news that Dalriada school had progressed in the Schools' Cup with a wonderful winning display away to Campbell College underlines the excellent work being carried out in our community with the support of our club. Recent years have seen our links with five local schools strengthened through assistance with coaching, training facilities, social and fund raising events. Indeed, our work at mini maxi level has seen a constant stream of well developed talent flowing into our post primary institutions enabling schools like Ballymoney High, Coleraine Inst and Dalriada to move more swiftly and effectively into development of the fifteen man game. Evidence of progress abounds: Most recently, the good work being done at Ballymoney High by Kenny Dunlop and Dave Watson has seen tremendous progress there in secondary schools' blitzes, leagues and cups as well as the all Ulster medallion competition. As a result, Ballymoney Youth teams are benefiting hugely. At medallion level there has been good joint coaching at Dalriada recently with success achieved in the Ulster Medallion Bowl. Last Saturday's success by the Dalriada first fiteen, however, is another step up and with Toon men Benjy van der Byl, Jamsie Clelland and Connell Devlin directing operations there, we are proud to celebrate their achievements. The next two weeks, however, bring more opportunities for further progress as our own under 17 youth team sets out to play their Ulster Under 17 league semi final at home to Monaghan. Our youth teams embark on their cup competitions this Saturday. This is no mean achievement as other local clubs such as the mighty Dungannon, Larne, Limavady and Coleraine have been unable to recruit and field teams in all of these sections. So it is time for all of us at Kilraughts to celebrate progress and achievement by all of our shared players but we must also realise that if this good work is to continue, Craig Whyte, Toss Skelton and all of our youth coaches will need your help, support and encouragement. Good luck to all in their competitions during the next few weeks. |
| IRFU: ZERO TOLLERANCE FOR ABUSE OF OFFICIALS (REMINDER) ( 16 January 2010 ) |
| At its March meeting the club's Executive learned of an initiative by the IRFU to stamp out abuse on and around all rugby grounds. In a letter to all clubs in Ireland reference was made to the increase in abusive situations, particularly against match officials. Club stalwart John Patton commented, "It's a welcome return to old values and we at Ballymoney should do all we can to assist the IRFU in its work." The IRFU letter warned of sanctions, including bans and heavy fines to be levied against members and their clubs when instances of abuse of officials were clearly proven. |
| CHILD PROTECTION INFORMATION AND CHECKING ( 09 October 2009 ) |
| Call for ALL Involved with Children to register now!!! At its next meeting, on Monday 5th October, the Executive Committee will discuss a Child Protection action plan which will include proposals regarding unchecked adults who work with children. PLEASE REGISTER FOR ACCESSNI NOW! The Ulster Branch has adopted new procedures for safeguarding our Youth, Mini and Maxi members. These procedures must be outlined to all club members who have any access at all to members under the age of 18. Registration is essential for any member at Ballymoney RFC who: 1. Wishes to be a member of the club's Executive Committee, 2. Wishes to be a member of any other club Committee with Youth involvement, 3. Wishes to work with any club member under 18yrs of age, This applies to all areas of club activity including committees, coaching, refereeing, catering, bar staff, care taking etc. etc. Please plan to attend. Add this date to your diary. More details will be available in early September. Some additional "Child Welfare Policy" info is now available on the IRFU website. Some Ulster Branch info (forms etc.) can also be emailed to you: Send your request to garrytoon@virgin.net with AccessNI as the subject |