News : 2011-2012

U16 Beach Success

Campbell travelled to Portrush for the 10th NIVA Schools’ Beach Volleyball Tournament on Monday 25th June. They travelled with the U14 and U16 Boys trophies, won in 2011, and hopes were high that both trophies could return to Campbell.

WIth key players in both age groups away on school trips, the strength in depth of the club was tested, but the teams who travelled were all capable of challenging for the titles.

Portrush East Strand had been transformed, with 15 courts in operation for the tournament, 60 teams, 14 schools and around 250 players, teachers and event staff in attendance.

Campbell’s U16 B’s included Josh Harbinson and Patrick Boyd, both of whom have plenty of experience of playing in the Schools’ Leagues and Cups. Stefan Vance returned to competitive volleyball action after a couple of seasons away from the club, while Michael Gilmore and Cameron Stewart made their competitive debuts and completed the line-up. The team started well, with a win over Carrick Grammar in their opening match, but that was the highpoint of their day and they finished their campaign with a loss to St Brigid’s in the first knockout round.

The Campbell A team was the more experienced of the two teams in the U16 age group, and arrived as favourites after their Schools’ Cup win. Led by Matthew Rodgers and including Niall Burton, Zac Wilson, Hugh Cunningham and Joshua Jordan, they fell to a surprise 15-13 defeat in their second group game against Markethill High School, leaving them as runner-up in the group and facing a more difficult path to the final. Wins over Drumglass, Larne, Markethill B, Carrick B and Craigavon gave Campbell A the chance for revenge against Markethill and they grabbed the chance after a tough match where they started slowly in both sets, falling 5-0 behind in the second set before fighting back to win 21-18, 21-19 to retain their title.

The U14’s had a quieter tournament, with the A team falling at the semi-final stage against the eventual winners, Tandragee Junior High. Only Thomas Harrison and Michael Scott had previous tournament experience, with Jonathan Haldane, Justin Savage, Jamie Clarke, Ross Magee, Ethan Yandall and Tom McCord all making their debuts in this competition.

Mr A W Templeton
i/c Volleyball