As part of our campaign to publicise Schools’ rugby in Ulster, we are travelling the length and breadth of the province to visit the schools competing in this years’ Schools Cup. This week, in the first of our special features, we turn our focus to Ballyclare High School.
History
Ballyclare High School celebrated its centenary in 2003-2004 and now stands as one of the largest and most successful grammar schools in Antrim. Not only are they a leader in the use of Information Technology to enhance the learning experience of its pupils; they have won a multitude of national and international awards, including a Gold Award from the Institute of IT Training Awards in London. In 2000, the school was named an ‘Enterprise School’ and in 2002 was awarded the International School Award, for a second time in its history.
History with the Schools’ Cup
Ballyclare’s only appearance in the final was against RBAI in 1973, and despite being labelled the underdogs by the press, Ballyclare put on a magnificent performance to defeat Inst 13 – 8.
Coach
Daniel Soper
First XV squad (2010-2011)
David Allen (second row)
Scott Barr (second row)
Grant Bartley (number eight)
Jonathan Craig (prop)
Jonny Darling (flanker)
Jonathon Brian Douglas (centre, wing)
Peter Ferguson (centre, wing)
Jonny Holmes (fly half)
Jack Irvine (fly half)
David Kelly (blindside flanker)
Michael Kirk (openside flanker)
David Lawther (prop)
Marc Logan (hooker)
Luke McAnee (fullback, centre, wing)
Edward McKee (centre)
Chris Millar (scrum half)
Paddy Reid (number eight)
Mitchell McComb (fullback)
Chris McIntyre (wing)
Simon Beattie (centre)
Stephen McArthur (centre)
Andrew Butler (wing)
Peter McMechan (flanker)
Paddy Hamill (second row)
Kirk Johnson (second row)
Peter Kennedy (prop)
Conor Shearer (hooker)
Tours
Summer 2010 saw 40 boys head to New Zealand and the Cooke Islands for a 21 day tour. The team faced huge challenges and fixtures while they were away, but looking back, coach Daniel Soper reveals the positive impact it has had on the players.
“The tour has helped to knit our squad together – we played very intensive and physical rugby in New Zealand and it has been invaluable in helping the team prepare for this season. We have played against both finalists from last year, and won both those matches, which is something we haven’t been able to do in a while, so it’s been a very positive beginning for us.”
Ballyclare had ten fixtures during their tour; five games were arranged for the ‘A’ XV’s team and five games were arranged for the ‘B’ XV’s team. The first fixtures were against Timaru Boys’ High School; the second against Kavanagh College; the third against Dunstan High School; the fourth against St. Bede’s College and the final fixture took place against a team from the Cooke Islands.
Not only was the tour was a massive success for the rugby team, as the boys won 7 of their 10 fixtures, it was also an incredible experience for the young players to be able to travel and explore a country renowned for producing rugby legends.
2009-2010 Schools’ Cup campaign
Ballyclare has a successful season last year with a young squad. A majority of the team was made up of Year 12 and 13 pupils, and were experiencing the Schools’ Cup competition for the first time. Yet the team played some great rugby, and made it to the quarter-finals before being defeated by Methody.
Goals for the new season?
Currently, Ballyclare are focusing on the ‘friendly’ side of the Schools’ Cup, which finishes around December/January, and are aiming to play well and ultimately win their fixtures against schools they have failed to defeat in previous years.
Squad strength
Ballyclare’s strength lies across the entire squad, which is something coach Daniel Soper is incredibly proud of, “We are a very balanced team this season and have the players and talent to play more than one style of rugby. I’ve worked with these players since they started playing rugby at the school – they are very talented and passionate about the sport.
Players to watch?
As mentioned previously, there is good strength and depth across the whole squad which makes it difficult to pick out one or two players to watch.
Present Ulster Schools’ players?
No, but a number of the players were members of the initial Ulster Schools’ training squad.
The school also has a few players training in the Ulster U17’s squad.
Previous Ulster Schools’ players?
Yes, Gary Longwell (current High Performance Manager for Ulster Rugby’s Phoenix Academy)
Other famous players?
Lewis Stevenson (lock for London Harlequins)
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