Isle of Man 2002
Tour party on Friday morning.
September 2002 saw the ‘Blue Sox’ heading off to the Isle of Man. A forty strong contingent travelled and were due to take part in a triangular tournament with Ramsey RFC and Peel Vikings RFC. Unfortunately Peel Vikings withdrew at the last moment and so the ‘Blue Sox’ played Ramsey for the Euro construction Viking Challenge Trophy. In a close match in which the ‘Blue Sox’ received a rousing support from the travelling alikadoos led by chief choir master Merton McDowell the tourists lost 46 – 41. It seemed that the arduous boat journey and the searing heat had taken its toll.
Blue Sox before kick off.
Ramsey were tremendous hosts and hopefully they will return to Banbridge in the not too distant future. A special mention to Tommy Acheson, Raymond’s father for inviting two rugby teams to his beautiful home for a steak barbeque. He’s either mad or very brave but either way what a guy. A night to remember, especially for the ducks in his pond who had an unexpected visitor. Enough said!
Blue Sox and Ramsay RFC.
The tourists were; Raymond Acheson, Angus Bicker, Collie Broderick, Paul Cairns, Hamish Cameron, Brian Clinghan, Mervyn Coleman, Michael Copeland, Stevie Cross, Kris Eadie, Mark Ferguson, Geoff Frazer, Stevie Gilmore, Austin Hewitson, Gareth Jelly, Johnny Johns, Gareth Kelly, Wayne Kerrigan, Mark Lewis, James Linden, Geoff Little, Roger Martin, Johnny Maxwell, James McComb, Merton McDowell, Barney McKevitt, John McKevitt, Michael McQuitty, Dave Neilly, Stevie Oldham, Michael Oliver, Paul Oliver, Alan Patterson, James Russell, George Scott, Ian Scott, Marcus Smyth, Michael Sneddon, Damian Tucker and Stuart Wickie.
Captain for the match was Stuart Wickie.
Following a dip in the Irish Sea!
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