Schools' Cup win marked with homecoming parade
PROUD winners of rugby's Schools' Cup, Ballymena Academy were given a warm reception by the people of the town at a homecoming parade on Saturday.
The boys were driven around Ballymena on an open-top bus in celebration of their 10-7 win over Belfast Royal Academy at Ravenhill on St Patrick's Day. Shoppers stopped to wave and congratulate the team on what was a great boost for the town as well as the school.
They smiled proudly as the famous trophy which has not been seen in that part of north Antrim for many years was held aloft.
Victory over BRA ended a 29-year Schools' Cup famine for the Academy - and the fact that the boys did it the hard way, coming from 7-0 down, made the school and local council all the more determined to celebrate in style.
There were fewer spectators in Ballymena than the 8,000 who cheered the teams on at Ravenhill, but that didn't dampen the spirits of a jubilant side.
Ballymena Academy are still coming down to earth after what was one of the most evenly contested finals in recent years.
The game was also noted for the high level of technical ability and the team will no doubt remember their well-deserved plaudits for many years.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
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