Scrum achievement for Cullybackey High rugby players

The boys had all been members of the very successful Under 13 and Under 15 sides at Eaton Park. What is even more impressive is that three of the boys had only taken up rugby in the past two years.

Ballymena’s Community Development Officer Tom Wiggins was delighted with the boys’ success. “I have been coaching rugby at Cullybackey for four years now and this clearly shows that many boys within the school have the talent required to become excellent rugby players.

“Several of the senior club officials watched our matches last season and commented on the potential of these boys. I will be back in Cullybackey next year looking to recruit more boys and give them a chance to play rugby at Eaton Park.”

Indeed the boys have progressed to a high standard with the two older boys having been selected to attend the Northern Regional Ulster Development Squad, a remarkable achievement given the fact that they have only recently been introduced to the game.

As part of his Community work Tom coaches rugby in all local Secondary Schools and in several local Primary schools. For the first time rugby has been introduced to the girls at Cullybackey and as with their male classmates they quickly took to the game. Indeed the girls finished a credible second place in a recent TAG rugby tournament.

The prize winners were: Simon Crooks, Most Influential Youth Player; Phillip Jennings, Under 15 Player of the Year; Jack Forrester, Under 15 Players Player of the Year and Richard Lamont, Under 13 Most Improved Player.