Junior 5 Aside

East Antrim Battalion Junior 5 a Side Competition 2010

Having moved the senior competition to the Soccer Shed in Ballyclare, the Junior competition reverted back to the traditional Larne Leisure Centre. In total, 15 teams representing 13 companies took part.

The 15 teams were split into 4 groups, with the group winners progressing to the semi final stage.

In group 1, 1st Greenisland progressed after a narrow victory in their final group game against 1st Ballyclare B. In group 2, 1st Ballyclare A went through winning all their games. In group 3, possibly the two strongest teams were drawn together and they ended up facing each other in the final group game, both on full points at that stage. 1st Raloo came out victorious with a narrow 1-0 victory, meaning a very good 8th Carrick side just missed out on qualification. Group 4 had only three teams and was closer than many expected but 7th Carrick sneaked through.

The semi finals saw 7th Carrick play 1st Greenisland and 1st Ballyclare play 1st Raloo. Both semi finals ended up as one sided games as both 7th Carrick and 1st Raloo hammered their opponents 4-0.

This set up a very entertaining final, with both sides trying to play football the way it should be played. After full time and extra time, the score was tied at 1-1. Penalties ensued and impressive goalkeeping by the 7th Carrick keeper gave his side the victory. That is four years in a row now for 7th Carrick, who also won the Senior 5 a side last week.

Many thanks to Donald Blair, Ricky Pollock and Kenny Cameron for refereeing this week and last and to Hilary Montgomery for her impeccable record keeping. Without these people, the competitions don't work.