The Colts Junior team season ended in defeat last Sunday as they were beaten by a more organised Westport outfit at the quarter final stage of the Ard ná Cregg cup in Ballyhaunis.

Westport kicked off with the aid of stiff breeze and had the Colts under pressure for much of the opening 40 minutes. Up against a tough Westport forward unit the Colts were finding it difficult to retain possession and fell behind after 18 minutes. Good work off an attacking scrum saw the Westport backs put the ball through the hands before crossing over. The bonus points were also added.

The remainder of the half remained a tight affair with the Colts starting to get a foothold in the game. But as the half ticked into injury time Westport stuck for their second try to send the Colts to the half-time break trailing 14-0.

The second half took on a similar pattern to the first and despite the strong wind the Colts could not dominate possession like the visitors did in the first half. Two late tries sealed the game for Westport who ran out convincing 24-0 and they now have a home semi-final against Tuam RFC.

The Colts season may have ended without silverware but it was a commendable effort by all players involved and the club would like to thank all the players especially those who have taken up rugby for the first time for all the effort and time they put in throughout the season. Thanks also to coach Micheal Smith for his work and commitment this season.

Colts: I. O’Brien, K. Groake, L. Griffith(c), D. Cosgrove, P. Cunnane, P. Finnegan, D. Bell, T. Cryan, A. Maye, D. O’Connor, P. Noone, A. McLoughlin, M. Jennings, P. Kilboyle, D. Coen.

Subs: J. Moran, K. Sheridan, D. McDonagh, B. Deegan, L. Ronayne, F. Leonard S. Devane, J. Costello