Stephen Ferris and Jack Kyle kick off the Guinness Carrick Sevens

With the good weather forecast to continue into the weekend, the 39th Guinness Carrick Sevens organising committee are prepared for some of the biggest crowds seen at Woodlawn.  The tournament kicks off this Friday at 6pm, with the Samurai U19s competition. Eight teams will take part including last years winners the Big Cats, who are made up of pupils from Belfast Royal Academy. Their Belfast rivals Campbell College will be wanting to have a say, under the name of the OC’s, while local schools Carrick Grammar, Larne Grammar and Belfast High School will be looking to cause an upset. Scottish visitors Telford College are making their annual pilgrimage to the town, while Carrickfergus coach Warren McClean will be wanting to finish another successful season on a high.

The Saturday sees 24 teams taking part in the Guinness Open, which kicks off at midday. Local representation comes from Lisburn, CIYMS, Larne, Ballyclare and BHSFP, along with a number of sides from the host club, that include the Wreckin Boys, Reapers, Warriors, Simply Class and Tropic Thunder. The Ulster Exiles will be looking to go one better and make the main final, while a number of Fijian sides will add their own . . .