It may have been April Fools’ Day but the Claremorris Colts U11 & U12 players were in no mood for jokes as they hit the N17 to Sligo for a blitz against team from Ennis, Ballina, Carrick-on-Shannon and hosts Sligo.

With a fine representation of 26 players the Colts were split into two teams. Team I of the Colts put in some excellent performances throughout the day. Team I’s schedule meant they would play Ennis I in their first game. In a tight affair, both teams gave it their all to get their first win of the day and it was the Clare men who got the win. There were some fine performances in this game, predominantly from Liam Gallagher, Jack Colleran and David O’Connor. Game two was another close affair against the Leitrim side of Carrick-on-Shannon. In a close game it was the men from Leitrim who came out on top, however the Colts’ tackling in this game was outstanding, chiefly Mark Walsh, Micheal McNamara and Max Gilmore.

After a short break the Colts played their last game of the day against another of the Ennis teams, Ennis IV. In what turned out to be a rather one sided affair it was the Ennis boys who came out on top. The Colts players can be proud of their display right throughout the day and it was great to see all players keep going until the final whistle was blown. With Takechi Oe Kilkenny, Colin Mulligan and Alan Campbell deserving special mention for their excellent play.

Team II of the Colts also had three games to play. First up for the Colts was another of the Ennis teams Ennis III. The Ennis boys were just too strong for their Claremorris counterparts and came out with a deserved win. Although beaten Gary Moran, Iarla Jennings & Michael Mchale put in some fine performances. Game two saw the Colts up against another of the Ennis teams. 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 the Colts defence especially Blaic Cleary and Niall Kearns.

Their final game saw the Colts’ produce their best rugby of the day against the lads from Ballina 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 deserved victory. Although all of the squad produced their best during this game Thomas Morris and Dean Moran must get a mention for their excellent play. If one had to pick a player of the day from each team then Max Gilmore & Thomas Morris would have to get the award.