Claremorris Colts RFC U13s travelled to Athlone and Dubarry Park last Sunday to face unbeaten division two opponents Buccaneers in Connacht Rugby U13 Cup. Illness and other factors outside the Colts control, robbed the team of a number of their more influential players which meant the bare 15 made the long trip across the Shannon. Despite this major disadvantage, the team fought valiantly and acquitted themselves very favourably before going down to the hosts on a final score of 25-10.

The game took place on the main pitch with the Claremorris Colts occupying the changing room used by the Ireland U20’s team when they play at Dubarry Park – let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come for the talented Colts U13 squad.

From the whistle the Colts were slow getting up to the pace of the game and Buccaneers backs took advantage of this sluggishness.  Moving the ball quickly through the hands, Buccaneers exerted tremendous pressure on the Claremorris Colts defence and forced the Colts to tackle manfully in keeping the game scoreless after 10 minutes. However the relentless pressure told and Buccaneers ran in 3 tries in the last 15 minutes of the half to leave the score 15-0 at the interval. However it wasn’t all one way traffic; Michael McHale and Iarla Jennings caused the Buccaneers defence numerous problems with their direct running and this tactic was a precursor of what was to come in the second 25 minutes.

The Claremorris Colts started the second half determined not to go down without a fight and, it was clear that the pack could inflict damage by running aggressively at Buccaneers defensive line.  In rucking and recycling the ball in a very impressive manner they provided the platform for Michael McHale to breach the line to bring the score to 15-5. Ciaran Devlin narrowly missed the conversion but the score gave the Claremorris Colts hope that there might be something in the game for them. After the restart, the front row continued to carry the game to Buccaneers forcing the defence to hang desperately. Unfortunately, lapses in concentration allowed Buccaneers to score 2 breakaway tries which were totally against the run of play leaving the score at 25-5 and an unassailable lead  for the home side. The Colts never gave up and a consolation try in the last minute of the game left the final score at 25- 10. Buccaneers led on the scoreboard but they knew they had few answers to the rampant Colts pack.

The Claremorris Colts now go back to training in preparation for the Plate competition, which will be starting in March while their coach goes to Twickenham this weekend hoping to pick up more rugby tips to pass onto this talented group of u13’s.