U16s overpower Randalstown

This week’s Ulster Carpets East league match found the mighty U16s at home to Randalstown.

With no mid-week training because of sodden pitches and the game itself in doubt due to the biblical rainfall over the past few days (other religions and types of weather are available), some vital pre match warm up training was required.
Coaching “sensation” Gary C was “aided” this week by the return of Head Coach and golfing pro impersonator Nathan “Hi, I’m Rory” Brown (so theoretically this report is a true and accurate reflection of the proceedings your honour, and in no way resembling last week’s Gary Crawford “power trip” dream sequence).

A shortage of branch refs (freebie trip to Ireland international anyone?) meant that newly qualified associate referee Gary (stifles giggles emoji) was to take charge of proceedings, however his pre-match warm-up of a “fry in a cup” somewhat reduced his mobility more than usual, so another new club associate Shane Kelly was roped in called to officiate (who knew refs could ref in slouchy shorts, sweatshirt and flip flops…)

Having left his challenging assistant Gary “in charge” last week, Head Coach Nathan returned with his no-nonsense air of master race superiority and got the boys into some intensive drills. Suitably warmed up and having clear instructions and a definitive game plan from their Head Coach Nathan, the boys were very eager to get the game started.

From the whistle the boys pounced and with Head Coach Nathan directing matters with the precision of a pro golfer in the Fed-Ex Cup, the boys scored within 4 minutes and were 7-0 up. Although under strength, Randalstown were a big bruising side and very, very competitive and weren’t here to mess around. However our boys were not to be deterred and averaged a try every 5 mins or so to find themselves an impressive 33-0 up at half time.

Several changes were made after the break with players coming on eager to impress, something I’m glad to say all our players manage to do every game (that’ll be the empowering influence of Head Coach Nathan) and they helped the team with the status quo of try scoring to run out the game eventual winners 49 – 5

A big welcome back from injury to U16s coach William Moore and players, Robbie Moore and Conor Henry, the latter who was awarded Man of the match, well done Conor!
I would also like to take this time on behalf of Head Coach Nathan Browne and his erstwhile assistants Gary “Fry-in-a-cup” Crawford, William Moore and myself (well not myself that’s typing all this, but the other one.. you know the suave English gent with Telly Savalas Barry Manilow hairstyle, Daniel Craig smile and John Travolta hips) to say thank you to all the U16s parents!

Week in, week out you all help out, between keeping scores (the boys keep you busy on that front!!), taking videos, providing some outstanding pictures, assisting our head chef in feeding the players, providing some much needed touch line support and other off pitch activities no matter how big or small your contribution is, it all goes a long way in supporting our team so thank you!