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Going into the Final there was a measure of expectation for this Boys’ team who had won the Southern Area League for the second year in a row and obtained a third place in Northern Ireland last year, so the stage was set for an exciting day in the near perfect conditions at Mallusk on 10th February.
The Boys ran out as winners against a field of 23 teams, all of whom were winners or qualifiers in their respective areas. The Boys’ Team team was targeting a third or second place as it is still a young team, with 6 out of the 8 boys being still in Primary 6. So there was great excitement when the results were read out, with King’s Park Boys being crowned Northern Ireland Champions. The result was down to the team effort where the six points scorers all came in quite close together, scoring well as they did so.
We must not forget the Girls’ Team, whom had never qualified for the Northern Ireland Finals before. The Girls Team had just won the Southern Area League for the first time, but were a little unsure of how to compete on the big stage. A fantastic effort was put in and the Girls returned a 5th place in Northern Ireland.
Both teams celebrated their Southern Area League success and the Boys’ N.I. Final win with stop-over at the local McDonalds on the way home from Mallusk. The athletes lay aside their strict dietary regimes and energy reserves were quickly recouped! Coaches were also able to partake in a celebratory McDonalds, courtesy of Mr Shields’ generous allowance!