Last Friday and Saturday, Ophir Rugby Club opened the 2012/2013 season with the traditional Seven-a Side competition.
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This year the tournament was held at the Valley Leisure Centre, due to a major drainage scheme at Ophir’s home ground at the Cottonmount, Mallusk.
Last year’s Friday evening tournament for the Under 19s proved very successful and this year 8 teams competed for the Ken Bonar Memorial Trophy. In glorious sunshine, and following the keenly fought league sections, Instonians and Larne contested the final and to their delight, Larne ran out winners, 10 points to 5.
The following day,and again enjoying unusually bright weather, the spectators enjoyed some sparkling rugby in the league sections of the
contest for the Will Totten Memorial Trophy. The first semi final was contested by Ophir and Ards and despite a sterling effort, the home team were well beaten by a strong Ards side. The second semi between Queens and Dungannon ended in a thrilling 25 point draw and in extra
time, Queens scored a “golden” try to put them in the final. There they continued their excellent form to defeat Ards and take home the trophy.
Ophir’s newly installed President, Martin Morrison said:-
“For once we have enjoyed near perfect weather conditions for the Sevens and all the teams have provided us with a great day’s entertainment. Many congratulations to Queens – they just about made it to the final but in the end were worthy winners. And not forgetting last night’s Under 19 winners, Larne.
Very well done!
It has taken a lot of hard work to put this tournament together and we owe a great debt of thanks to our main sponsors for the day, Newtownabbey Borough Council. We are also indebted to our main Club sponsors, MCW Properties and also Biffa. The Club very much values this
backing, and also the generous support of many local businesses and companies who advertise in the Sevens
programme”.
