January is the month when all the Battalion 5 a Side competitions are played. This year, the order was changed slightly due to the Schools Cup. The Intermediates played in week 1, followed by the Seniors and then the Juniors played on week 3.

The intermediate competition involved 6 companies. The sides were drawn into two groups of three, with the top two teams in each group going through to the semi finals. This format worked well, with 1st Ballyclare/6th Carrick and 1st Whitehead the two teams to drop out at the group stage. They contested a wooden spoon match but it ended in a draw - joint last place for both teams!

The senior competition saw 5 companies enter. This was played as a league with the top two teams playing again in the final. 1st Raloo, 7th Carrick and 1st Larne finished form the bottom in that order. 1st Greenisland and 1st Ballyclare contested the final for the second year running and 1st Ballyclare claimed the title for the third year running, 4-1 the scoreline.

The junior competition, as always, was the best attended. Fifteen teams entered representing twelve companies. This was played in three groups with the three group winners and best runner up overall making the semi finals. This competition was extremely tight, with goals scored being used to determine one group winner and goals scored again being used to determine the best runner up. In Group A, 1st Ballyclare missed out to 8th Carrick on goals scored after both teams finished level on points and goal difference. 8th Carrick scored 1 more goal. In Group B, 5th Carrick A comfortably went through with full points. In Group C, 7th Carrick swept aside all in front of them and finished on full points also. 7th were aiming for their third Junior title in a row. The best runner up was between 7th Carrick B and 1st Raloo. Points and goal difference were both the same so goals scored again came into play. 1st Raloo scored 1 more goal so made it through.

The semi finals saw two very close games. 7th Carrick beat 8th Carrick 2-1. 5th Carrick and 1st Raloo went to penalties, as they had done in the intermediates. The result was reversed this time with 5th Carrick making it through.

The final was a great game, a great advert for BB football. Two teams played the match in the right spirit and really kept everyone guessing right until the end. 7th Carrick came through 3-2.

All three weeks went very well, with everyone treating the competition as a bit of fun but also showing a real desire to win. All officers and boys deserve credit for their behaviour. Thanks to Gary Bustard, Ricky Pollock, Donald Blair and Michael Crooks who refereed over the three weeks. Thanks also to Hilary Montgomery for keeping time. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Neil