The weather was unseasonably sunny on Saturday March 10th as 24 Claremorris Colts players hit the N17 to Tuam RFC for the Connacht rugby U12 blitz.

With 24 players eager for action two teams were need so Claremorris X were sent out to do battle on the top pitches while Claremorris Y were off to the bottom pitches. Claremorris X put in some excellent performances throughout the day. Their schedule meant they would play neighbours Ballinrobe in their first game. In a tight affair, both teams gave it their all to get their first win of the day. There were some fine performances in this game, predominantly from Dimitry Trench who got both trys to seal the win, he was ably assisted by Takechi Oe Kilkenny and Daniil Kuzmins. Game two was another close affair against the men from Corrib. In a close game it was Claremorris who came out on top. The Colts’ tackling in this game was of the highest order, especially Alan Kelly, David O’Connor & Niall Kearns. After a short break (see photo of the lads taking it easy) the Colts played their third game of the day against Sligo. A draw was probably a fair result in what turned out to be a titanic struggle. The final game of the day was against Ballina. The Ballina boys came out on top after playing some excellent rugby. The were some fine performances from Claremorris lads particularly Jack Colleran, Dean Moran & Max Gilmore.

Claremorris Y were just as busy as their counterparts as they also had 4 games to play. First up for the Colts were Buccaneers, in a see saw battle it was the Galway men who came out on top. After suffering defeat in their opening game Claremorris Y then went upbeaten for the remainder of the day with two wins and a draw, so as Meatloaf would say “Two out of three ain’t bad”. Game two saw the Colts up against Westport. During an extremely tight game neither team could be separated as the game finished in a draw. The game was notable for some excellent tackling from Thomas Morris while Gary Moran was excellent during lineout time.

The penultimate game was against fellow Mayomen Ballinrobe. This game ensured Claremorris Y got their first win of the day. The Colts had a number of notable performances in this game. The players who caught the eye were Alan Campbell who made try saving tackles on more than one occasion throughout the day and Michael McHale who was equally impressive. The final game saw the Colts’ produce their best rugby of the day against the lads from Erris RFC. In a game that high in quality and endeavour it was Colts who came out on top and ensured their day finished with a second victory. Although all of the squad produced their best during this game Jamie Campbell and Tommy Ruane must get a mention for their excellent play. If one had to pick a player of the day from each team then Dimitry Trench & Alan Campbell would have to get the award.

When the games were done and dusted all teams were presented with medals by the Connacht branch. Well done to all players and coaches who participated in a hugely successful day. Finally well done to Tuam RFC who organised a hugely enjoyable day.