About 120 club members, officials and special guests, along with all the winners of the club's perpetual trophies will be in attendance to celebrate the past season.

John Blair of JBE Building services, Railway Street, Ballymena and his wife Margaret are the club's guests of honour this year.

John is a former club member and a loyal supporter and sponsor of the club and, of course, is the club's nearest neighbour on Railway Street. He will present the cups and trophies to their various recipients.

The event is mainly for the benefit of the prizewinners but it also offers the club the opportunity to thank all the sponsors and supporters who have helped during the past season and indeed, in many cases, over a long number of years.

MATTHEW'S BOOST

Cambridge House student Matthew Brennan is one of those who will collect his awards on Friday night.

Matthew had a brilliant season in the club and he will collect the R F Linton trophy as junior time trial best all rounder.

Matthew recorded time of 11 minutes 45 seconds for 5 miles: 23.38 for 10 miles: and 62 minutes 18 seconds for the 25 miles distance, for an overall winning average of 24.999 mph.

He also finished second in the Australian pursuit mini league and was equal second in the club's road racing league where he faced senior opposition each time he competed.

Matthew summarises his season as follows. "My season started as a junior rider and I took part in several of the open races. My first open race was the Phoenix GP and it was a whole new experience. The speed was much higher and the race itself more demanding so I was happy enough to finish in the bunch.

"I continued to do more open races including the Ciclisport GP, Bann Valley Classic and the Tour of the Mournes and I finished consistently in the bunch.

"However, mid season I was changed to an Under 16 rider, instead of a junior, and this stopped my involvement in the open races. This did not dishearten me though as I changed my goals for the season. My focus turned to the club racing league where I had great success this year.

"My form had been building from the start of the year and I was starting to feel in contention for the league. I also won my first senior race this year at the Australian Pursuit race in Ahoghill. I also finished joint second overall in the club league which I was very happy with.

"I also started training at the track at Orangefield in Belfast. Soon I was picked to represent Ulster for the inter-provincial races. However, my biggest highlight of the year came when I was picked for the Ulster team at the U.K. School Games in Wales. The event itself was very demanding but a fantastic experience.

"Lastly, my skills as a time triallist have improved greatly throughout the year. I am very happy with some of my performances this year. I was first under 16 at the NICF 10 miles TT Championships and also at the NICF and Ulster 25mile TT Championships.