THE RANDALSTOWN TOURNAMENT - A HISTORY

In early 1970 Management Committee meetings of Randalstown Rugby Club were preoccupied with keeping the name of Randalstown to the fore in Junior rugby circles. It was finally decided that a XV a-side Tournament should be tried. A structure of eight teams in 2 groups of 4 was agreed, matches on a knockout basis, to be of 30 minutes duration or on sudden death if the scores were level at fulltime. Teams beaten in their opening game played again in a subsidiary competition. The late Bobby Moore, then President of the Club, donated a cup for the main competition and Charlie McCarroll, happily still with us, put up a shield for the subsidiary competition. Invitations were sent to our six "neighbours"; Antrim, Ballyclare, Ballymena, Carrick, Larne and Rainey. To complete the eight, along with ourselves, Armagh were invited.

In the early Seventies Randalstown were domiciled at Cranfield using one pitch and changing facilities for 2 teams, accommodation not ideal for the envisaged event. It was suggested that an approach be made to Antrim Borough Council for the use of Neillsbrook, formerly the grounds of Old Bleach Cricket and Hockey Clubs, then lying fallow. There was plenty of space for 2 pitches but the pavilion was semi-derelict.

The minimum requirements for a rugby pitch are posts, lines and some degree of changing facility. The local forest was the source of 4 stout trees, which were suitably prepared and installed, the pitches were marked and a marquee erected for changing accommodation. This work was carried out in the main by the players in the week prior to the Tournament, the final peg of the marquee being driven in about an hour before the kick-off. Understandably the hosts were fairly puffed and their contribution on the 5th September 1970 in playing terms was the minimum 2 games, with Ballymena running out winners of the inaugural Tournament.

Many memories of the early days are evoked. The amount of work put in by numerous people to establish the Tournament whist still playing at Cranfield, not least the ladies, (many of the original bunch still working hard), cooking hot dogs and soup on the veranda of the old pavilion using the local Scout Troops field kitchen. In 1971 it was decided that the old pavilion might be just as usable for changing facilities, subject to a spring-clean and a supply of water. The clean out was effected, some of the objects seeing the light of day for the first time are better not mentioned in respectable company. A pipe was run from a tap at the Bowling Green, across the tennis courts and the Club was in business.

All went well and another enjoyable day was had by all, except for the Larne squad who returned home still togged out after a fault in the plumbing had left their clothes slightly damp. The following year a supply of alcohol was procured from an off licence in Antrim and dispensed alfresco behind the pavilion. Not everyone approved of this "shebeen" but a welcome profit of £46 was made. Life became a little easier with the move from Cranfield and the erection of a Clubhouse at Neillsbrook. Sometime in the Eighties the Tournament was extended to 12 teams in 4 groups of 3. This begat its own problems, late defections stretching permutations to the limit, but proving that 9, 10 or 11 teams can be, if necessary, catered for in "4 groups of 3".

Over the past 25 years all the leading Junior teams within the Ulster Branch have taken part at some time. This year we welcome back all of our old friends and for the first time Donaghadee, Shorts, Carrick and Civil Service. Ballyclare have been ever presents, Ballymena, Rainey and Antrim featuring in all but one. The list of winner reads: Ballyclare won 10, Rainey 7, Ballymena 3, Armagh 2 and Omagh and Antrim 1 each.

As the Club complete 25 years it fully appreciates and are very grateful for the support of the participating Clubs, all our sponsors, the ladies committee and the numerous benefactors over this time. Since 1970 rugby football has undergone vast changes. Next season within our own Branch, the AIL opens to the Qualifying League winners. With cup and league games now starting as early as the second Saturday in September, one wonders how long a competition such as the Randalstown Tournament can be sustained. The Club has no doubt that with the continued support of the aforementioned the Tournament will remain an important date in the Junior Calendar. May we take this opportunity of again welcoming our old friends and new to Randalstown. Have a good day.

Since this is the 25th Anniversary of the Randalstown Tournament, we thought it appropriate to mention some of those figures who have helped to make it so successful down through the years. Our apologies go to anyone who feels they have been overlooked, but if your name doesn't appear in the list below then you haven't been as useful as you think, eg. Lynn Davies, Ricky Ross, lan Warwick, Robin Logue and John Herron.

Jackie French & James Rainey

For the pitches being in such good shape today, the Club is indebted to our Ground-Staff who are marshalled by Jackie and James. Their task has been made easier by the ready supply of manure they have built up over the summer, and in this respect they have been helped by Ian Gaston, Johnny Nugent and Nigel Moses are also part of this dedicated team, and it is they who have assisted in the rolling of the pitches.

Nigel Mulholland

Zinzan, at the time of writing, is unlikely to be involved in today's proceedings in any way (hopefully that's the case), but since he is returning home to New Zealand to be re-united with his wife and their lambs shortly, we at Randalstown would like to pass on our best wishes to him. So too do the manufacturers of wire brushes, Dettol and the Brook Advisory Clinic whose output has increased tenfold in the last 2 years.

John Agnew

Aggers has once again done the majority of the organising for this year's tournament, and the amazing thing is that it actually takes place despite of that. This is a situation which has been passed unanimously year after year at our Management Committee meetings, as it means that the rest of the season can carry on "Agnew-Free".

George McCombe

George, (or Doddie as he is affectionately known), who never mentions the fact that he is an old-age pensioner, is by far the meanest, grumpiest, contrary, stubborn, useless, drunken old geezer that has ever run the line at any Club. Never one to miss a Club Tour, the only compensation for the rest of the tourists is that Doddie has never managed to avoid going to bed any later than 7.30pm.

John Curry