On Thursday 24th March Rainey Endowed School hosted the annual ‘Arthur Topping Memorial Shield’ which is contested by Under 12 rugby school teams in the NE Board Area.
With over 20 teams entering in both the ‘A’ tournament and ‘B’ tournament this had the potential to be a keenly contested competition. In perfect conditions, with 3 pitches all being used simultaneously there was plenty of action. In the ‘B’ tournament 10 teams were divided into 2 groups, with each school getting 4 matches. After the series of league games the top 2 teams in each group would qualify for the semi finals. After a series of tough games, Coleraine Inst and Antrim GS emerged as the group winners, with Ballymena Academy and Rainey ES as the runner ups. Coleraine Inst played Ballymena Academy and Antrim GS played Rainey ES. Amazingly, both semis finished in draws, but after extra time Coleraine and Antrim emerged as winners. In a closely fought final, Coleraine just came out on top to claim the ‘B’ title.
In the ‘A’ tournament there was 9 teams, split into 3 groups. Each group winner, along with the best runner up would contest the semi finals. At the end of a fantastic series of matches, Ballymena Academy, holders Coleraine Inst, Dalriada and Rainey ES had made it through. In the first semi final a much bigger Ballymena side got the better of Rainey. However, a very determined performance from the home side made Coach Richard Henderson and many parents very proud. In semi final number two, Coleraine Inst defeated Dalriada. A top quality final was eventually won by Ballymena Academy giving them their first win in the tournament since 2006.
Thanks are due to local firms Diamond Meats, J C Stewarts Supermarket and Genesis Bakery for their support. Many thanks also to referees Ronan McKernan, Scott Simpson, Peter Sciascias, Peter Stewart and Graeme Eastwood, and helpers Charlie Simpson, Richard Henderson, Noel Sargent, Michael Sargent and Billy Campbell, and finally grounds man Robert Montgomery.