Tosss Skelton who is famous in Ballymoney RFC for wearing the no7 shirt, will make his 700th apperance for Ballymoney when he plays for the 3rd XV against Ballymena 4th XV in the Foster Cup this Saturday 4 February at Kilraughts Road.
Toss Skelton is a well known face to most people in Ballymoney as he is the current Headmaster of Dalriada Grammer School. It is no coincidence that since his involvement at the school, it’s rugby has grown from strength to strength each year.
Toss has been a stalward for the Club for many years. He has been Club and 1st XV Captain for 5 seasons in 1980-82, 1986-88 and 1992-93, meaning he is the only person to Captain the team on three seperate occasions. Toss has played an important part off the pitch also being Club Chairman from 2001-03 and playing a large part in the structure of rugby at the Club as Youth and Game Development Co-ordinator for more years than anyone can remember.
However, his playing career at Ballymoney began on Saturday 23 March 1974 when he made his debut under Captain Joe Killen away to Bangor 2Bs in the league as a young raw 16-year-old. At 16-years-old Toss dedication and enthusiasm would mean he would play for Dalriada School in morning and then Ballymoney Rugby Club in the afternoon.
Toss first full season at the Club was 1976-77 where he played for the firsts under Captain John Paul which highlighted in him being part of the 1st XV who reached the semi-final of the Towns Cup. Another Towns Cup semi-final appearance came in 1979-80. In Toss first year as Captain he lead the 1st XV to win the league and go on to win the Past Players Cup Final at Ravenhill, 24-13 against a very strong Ballymena 2nd XV. Further success came for the 1st XV and Toss Skelton as they won the North West Cup in 1992-93 and on a personal level he represented Junior Ulster and played a major part in Ulster winning the Inter-provinical title.
After “retiring” from the 1st XV in the mid 1990’s Toss was persuded to play for the 3rd XV and nearly 20years on he is still enjoying the “Crack” playing down the club and winning the odd league title in Junior Rugby on the way!
Toss has went on to play with both his sons at Ballymoney RFC and a rumour has it that all 3 Skelton’s could appear together again this week!
All players, members, supporters and associates of Ballymoney RFC would like to congratulate Toss Skelton on being the 1st Ballymoney player to make 700 apperances and we wish him the best of luck for this game and for the rest of his playing career. Welldone Toss and “Come on The Toon”!
This Saturday see’s Toss role out for his 700th game for the 3rd XV when they face Ballymena 4th XV in the second round of the Foster Cup. It is hoped that sons Andrew and Thomas Jnr will be playing along with their old man. Although I think Neil Campbell will give them a simple phone call or text about the match and not go to the trouble of a postcard which was how Toss was informed, along with every other player, for selection for the club back in the 1970’s (yes that long ago)!
The 4th XV are also in Foster Cup action as the “Mighty Fours” will need to be at their Mighty best to overcome Queen’s 3rd XV although home advantage could play a large part.
The 1st XV are in conference league action against Ballymena 2nd XV and will be hoping to finish the run in to the end of the season with a win in their penultimate home fixture.
The 2nd XV have a tricky away league match when they travel to Omagh 2nd’s which is always a difficult place to get a victory
The 5th XV make the trip again to Co Donegal, but this time to play Donegal 2’s in the league
Good luck to everyone and lets home the weather stays good so the matches all go ahead.
Statistics for Season so Far!
Below is the current update apperance list after this week;
1. Toss Skelton – 700
2. John Waide – 671
3. David Dunlop – 627
4. Alan Agnew – 571
5. Kenny Dunlop – 554
6. Barney Kelly – 503
7. J Campbell – 483
8. Brendan McGaughey – 471
9. Ricky Millar – 431
10. Neal Browne – 423
11. Nick Armstrong – 411
12. Alan Campbell – 397
13. Campbell Ferris – 396
14. David Laughlin – 395
15. J Liggett – 388
Also coming to the business end of the season some guys start to look towards the throphy cabinet. Below is the runners and riders for the top kicker and top try scorer awards in the club…..
TOP TRYs
1. Sam Watters – 4th XV 8
2. Gwaine Foster – 4th XV 7
3. Jonny Brewster – 4th XV 6
4. Cormac McCartney – 1st XV 6
5. Andrew Surgenor – 1st XV 6
6. Mathew Blair – 2nd XV 5
7. Ewan Strang – 1st XV 5
8. John Waide – 4th XV 5
9. Aidy White – 4th XV 5
10. Garvin Bellingham -2nd XV 4
10 Chris Watson – 1st XV 4
figures are from the start of January so the last few games have not been counted and with the 2nd XV scoring 6 tries last weekend and McCartney, Surgenor and Strang touch down for the 1st XV it is all to play for!
Top Kicker
1. Cormac McCartney – 1st XV 104pts
2. Chris McIlmoyle – 4th XV 98pts
3. James Cleland – 1st XV 54pts
4. Peter Elliot – 5th XV 53pts
5. Ewan Stang – 1st XV 29pts
6. James Campbell – 2nd XV 25pts
