Club success raises family dilemma Share
Parents Brian and Julie with sons Josh, Michael and Peter. With Bann Firsts playing in Limerick on Saturday shortly after the club's U-15 and U-17 teams battle for cup honours at Ravenhill, many of the Rifle Park club's supporters have had tough decisions to make in deciding which venue to attend. But for one set of parents, Brian and Julie Cromie, the decision has been especially difficult - they have a particular interest in all three games through their sons. Youngest son Josh will start at scrum-half for the U-15s against City of Derry in the Ulster Cup final and in the U-17 final which follows at Ulster Rugby HQ, Peter will line out at flanker against Ballynahinch. Just before the U-17s' final finishes 21 year-old Michael will take the field for the Firsts at Old Crescent in the No 1 shirt that he has made his own this season. Julie and Brian, who shares the U-17 coaching duties with Tim Honeyford and David Neill, have had a busy season following their boys round Ulster and Ireland. In addition to the Firsts' AIL and Ulster League games Michael had a run-out for the Ulster Ravens at Nenagh last September, while Peter has been part of the Ulster U-17 Development squad which has been meeting monthly at different clubs to prepare for next season's U-18 inter-pros. Brian said that while he would have loved to see the Firsts' bid to secure promotion in Limerick, he was committed to the U-17s, and with two of his three sons in action at Ravenhill it made the decision a bit easier. "I'll have a hot line through to Limerick to keep in touch, as I'm sure will all the supporters who go to Ravenhill," he said. "It's unfortunate that there's a clash but it just reflects the success the club is enjoying at all levels. "If all goes according to plan there could be a lot to celebrate come Saturday evening." With a Dad who was for many seasons scrum-half on the club Firsts and a Mum who played hockey for Banbridge Ladies 1st XI it's hardly surprising that all three sons have been successful at sport. It's seems it will be just be a matter of time before they feature together on the Firsts at Rifle Park. But for now there's important cup and promotion business for the whole family. 