BUG returned to Belfast having had a very successful weekend away at the Cork Open on and off the pitch. We returned with both the plate (finished 9th overall) and won the fancy dress prize for our 'Cool Runnings' (and Mexicans) costumes.

The Friday night took it's toll (especially on Marco's stomach) initially on Saturday's first match but BUG got a rare bagel against UCD2. Although UCD 2 were very inexperienced BUG took their chances and won comfortable, 13-0. The next and final pool game was against DIT, a team that BUG plays, it seems, at every Cork Open. The initial points were exchanged between the teams but BUG applied their zone defence which frustrated DIT and BUG ran out comfortable winners, 13-4.

Up next was DeLux from Luxembourg to crossover into the top 8. DeLux were an experienced team who weren't willing to travel hundreds of miles for a poor finish so big performances were needed from everyone in the team. Unfortunately, BUG fell behind at the start, DeLux proving too clinical whenever they got opportunities. However, due to a miscommunication about when the match was to finsh, BUG rallied and grew in confidence. It, however, was too late and DeLux won out 11-6. The best possible finish from Sunday's games was 9th.

The small matter of the party happened on Saturday night. With the guidance of Wee Adam, Jamaican and Swiss bobsleigh costumes were created and Darragh provided the bobsleighs. A Mexican outfit was also created (no obvious connection to Cool Runnings- just one of those things) and we headed to the party. Highlights were... the boat race (which the Jamaicans comfortably won), Dave Hammy's dancing and the slow hand clap when we left the nightclub.

Sunday's first match started slowly but BUG won fairly comfortably against a physical Galway side, 13-6. Having warmed up adequately, BUG raced through the next match against the Italians, Voladora, and won out 13-4 (highlight of the weekend being Dave Hammy's slap-slap-clap-clap attempted catch before it was D-ed by a small Italian). This meant that BUG had reached the final for the plate.

Although not BUG's best performance of the weekend, the final was easily the closest contest. Incredible Huck were a pickup team with plenty of experience and knew how to frustrate the opposition. Points were largely exchanged but BUG were able to build a 2 point cushion that we held on till the end, winning 7-5.

Throughout the tournament, all players showed what they are capable of. In particular, the MVPs were Gary and Pete and the MSP was Wee Adam. Overall the weekend was a huge success. BUG had demonstrated that we have the character and ability to win matches and, given the opportunity, to be one of the best teams in Ireland. But not only this, BUG showed great spirit on and off the pitch, forming a reputation for any future teams from the North.

Team List:
Ob, Gary, Grahamer, Colm, Darragh, Luke, Daniel (Sat), Marco, Pete (capt), Dave Hammy, Steve Hammy, Mike, Chris, Wee Adam, Rob