On Sat 10th Jan 2015 Ridgeway Rovers 2006 were very kindly invited along to the inaugural Dungoyne 2006 / 2007 Tournament held at Hanwood Centre, Dundonald. This invitation only event included a very strong line-up of teams from our sister league (Castlereagh + Lisburn SSG) with our own boys being the only representative of the North Down and Ards group.

When the fixtures were released our boys had been drawn in a very strong group along with Ballyclare, Dungoyne Colts and Hillsborough Boys.

In adverse weather conditions the boys went a goal down in their first game against Ballyclare. After starting slowly and adjusting to the conditions the boys soon found their feet and scored three goals to complete a 3 - 1 victory against a very accomplished side.

In the second game the boys came up against Hillsborough Boys and despite putting in a valiant effort in which we created numerous chances we narrowly lost this contest 2-1 to a very disciplined and skilful side.

In the third game we came against another top team in Dungoyne Colts. The boys played some good football despite the weather conditions and again created a lot of chances while keeping Dungoyne at bay with some great defending with Michael making some important saves. The game ended 0 -0 resulting in us finishing second in the group and progressing into the semi-finals.

For the semi-finals we were drawn against Banbridge Town, a team the boys have never faced before, but whose reputation as a great side had preceded them. Against quality opposition and a strong wind the boys were up against it, but they defended brilliantly as a team and after some great saves from Michael we went in level at 0-0 at half time. We started the second half a lot better and soon went 1-0 up with Carter scoring with a great finish to put us in the lead and this goal proved enough to put us through to the final against an extremely strong Dungoyne side that had impressively dispatched of Hillsborough in the other semi.

We have played in some classic encounters against Dungoyne and this game turned out to be no different. Right from the first whistle the boys were well up for the game and after playing some great football and creating a few chances we took the lead with Carter scoring another well worked goal. Dungoyne put us under immediate pressure in their pursuit for an equaliser, but the boys kept a good shape and defended brilliantly as a team. Carter went on to score another goal to put us two up and give us a bit of breathing space. The boys then kept their heads and continued to create chances and defended well to see out the game.

At the final whistle there were scenes of delirium from the boys, parents and coaches as
Ridgeway collected their first cup win to add to the two Plate trophies won at last season’s Castle and Hillsborough Tournaments.

This victory was a great team effort played out in adverse weather conditions against a pick of some of the best boy’s clubs in Northern Ireland. Most pleasing for the coaches was the boys effort to try to play the game in the proper way, their willingness to implement aspects of their training in our games, their discipline in their play (only three goals conceded in five matches) and that they played the games with a smile on their faces.

The coaches would like to thank all the boys for their effort, the parents for supporting both the team and the coaches and especially Dungoyne FC and Roger Hill and Paul Leeman for inviting us along to a very well organised and extremely enjoyable tournament.

Squad - Michael, Carl, Casey, Carter, Connor, Daniel, Dylan, Calum, Sam, Andy

Goal scorers Carter x 5, Connor, Casey