St. Ninian's Year 7 Rugby players faced Ballkermeen on Saturday morning, in what turned out to be a fantastic game of Rugby.
This was the third time the teams had met this year, with two previous neck and neck encounters, that both finished in draws. This game felt a little different as it was on Saturday morning, lots of spectators watching, and we were playing for the Douglas Cup in what will be the beginning of hopefully a long tradition.
It was Ballakermeen that started with the ball in hand making the St. Ninian's defence work hard. The boys in red and blue stood strong under pressure, and once they had turned the ball over they moved it quickly and were soon a score ahead. The rest of the half was a fierce contest and very well contested. Ballakermeen showed their skills and pace out wide and St Ninian's made yard with big carries from Carter W and Thomas T. One more score each kept the score tight but another Saints' try just on the stroke of half time gave the boys some breathing room at 3 tries to 1.
They came out in the second half fired up and big pressure from Nathan F from the kick off saw him win the ball back deep in Ballakermeen territory, leading to another try and 4-1. The tails were up and the confidence flowing, which showed with the way the Saints looked after the ball, moving it wide and making life difficult for their opponents. Another try to make it 5 spurred Ballakermeen on who turned the game around and spent the next 10 minutes camped in the St. Ninian's' half. The pressure told and it went to 5-2, then 5-3. Despite the pressure building, some brilliant tackles from George R, Thomas S and Liam R kept them at bay. BHS did cross the whitewash again, although it was pulled back for an earlier infringement. From the penalty Alfie F and Jack C made some good yards with the ball in hand, taking it to the other of end of the pitch. Thomas T was in close support and crashed over the line in the corner to make it 6-3. Another try late in the game made it 7-3, which capped off a fine performance and fantastic game from the Year 7 Saints.
Credit must go to Ballakermeen, who played some brilliant Rugby, making a fantastic event for all to enjoy. Thanks go to Harry Cartwright for organising, Kris Hatton for refereeing, and Douglas Rugby Club for hosting. The boys all enjoyed the celebrations and we are already looking forward to next year.
Saints Win The Douglas Cup!
