Eaton Park boys enjoy O’Kane Plate success

The Eaton Park side had accepted an invitation from hosts Ballymena Academy to enter a team in the event, competed for by grammar schools from around the Province.

The boys were unfortunate to be knocked out of the cup in the early stages but were determined to put on a better show in the Plate.

The 15s were drawn against Cambridge House and the first half did not go well with the 15s finding themselves 14-0 down at the break.

Cambridge House were confident that they could close the game in the second half however some strong play from McIlwaine and Morrison saw the Braid boys surge back into the game.

Despite the loss of the influential Ben Mark the 15s hit back early with a try from McLoughlin. A try from Wallahan soon followed and it was game on.

The Cambridge House boys seemed shocked and further scores from Houston and McKay took the game away from the school team.

The final whistle saw the Under 15s deservedly progress into the Plate Final, which was a very tight affair against a much fancied Royal School Dungannon.

However the 15s were not about to lose this opportunity and they defended stoutly before taking the game to Dungannon.

A flowing back line move saw the ball moved to Rory Lennon. He side stepped several defenders before sprinting clear to score in the corner.

The rest of the match was a nail biting affair but the final whistle did go to the delight of the 15s, their coaches and parents.

This was a great victory for the boys and the first time that a Ballymena Club team has competed in the O’Kane Cup.

Ballymena RFC would like to thank Ballymena Academy for their kind invitation and would like to congratulate the school team on winning the O’Kane Cup in some style.