Junior rugby: Belfast boys in the mood to party

Saturday, October 13, 2007

By Trevor Carson

Founded back in 1957 this popular club has had more than its fair share of ups and downs and at one stage not that long ago the club nearly folded completely.

However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes the Upper Greenisland Road club has now reached that special landmark of 50-years-old.

This anniversary comes at a time when the club is going through one of its better periods. They gained promotion to Section Two of the Kukri Qualifying League at the end of the 05/06 season and had a really solid season last year.

The development of a new clubhouse and pitch facilities at its Greenisland base has given the club a further lift. Add to that the resumption of mini rugby coaching and a significant increase in membership that encompasses both youth and experience and it is easy to see why club members have a real spring in their step today.

The club officials have put together quite a series of events planned for the year including three special fixtures the first of which is tomorrow against a Perennials XV. The second match is for the club's Second XV against their old Scottish friends Birkmyre RFC on Saturday March 15 and the highlight will see the club's First XV take on a Junior Ulster President's XV in April.

A 50th anniversary dinner dance rounds off the celebrations on April 26 in the Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus.

On the playing front the first XV have recorded wins over CIYMS and Lisburn and lost narrowly to Larne.

For up to date details on the anniversary celebrations you just need to log on to the club's website www.bhsfprfc.org.

Anyone interested in attending the anniversary dinner dance can email enquiries at bhsfprfc.org. Club secretary Alan Atkinson can also be contacted regarding all the events.

In Section One of the Kukri Qualifying League Portadown and Armagh had bonus points wins over Coleraine and Enniskillen respectively while Cooke caused an upset winning down at Clogher Valley.