07/06/2024
Huge congratulations to the Bangor Lions, the mini-rugby team from that we proudly sponsored to go on tour to Italy last weekend.
The Lions took part in the Pino Valle di Imperia Tournament in Imperia, which saw them compete against U12 teams from all over Italy. The Lions were buoyed by messages of support from a wealth of rugby royalty, including Bangor, Ulster and Ireland’s own Stuart McCloskey, former British and Irish Lion Jared Payne, and most fittingly, Dick Milliken, a member of the 1974 British & Irish Lions ‘Invincibles’ tour and grandfather of current Bangor Lion Oliver Campbell.
The Lions gave a very good account of themselves by reaching the semi-finals of the tournament before being defeated by the eventual tournament winners Biella from Milan. However, the Lions did bring home some silverware by defeating their hosts Imperia Rugby 5-0 with tries from Sonny Bryans, George Armstrong and Robbie Parker among others. The victory secured the Bangor Lions the Columbanus Cup in front of a jubilant crowd of Bangor supporters who made the most of the great hospitality that was afforded to them during the tour.
A huge thanks to everyone involved and best of luck to these fine young men as they continue their rugby journey.