The Colts’ junior team’s season drew to a close in a sun drenched Westport on Satruday evening as despite a gallant performance they were beaten by the home side in the Ard na Cregg cup.

The playing conditions were ideal as both sides harbored ambitions of a long cup run to extend their season to late April. The home side made the brighter start and had much of possession. A trend that would continue for the 80 minutes. Despite the early dominance Westport couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard.

The opening score came after good work from Colts back rower John Costello. He charged down a Westport kick near halfway line before gathering the ball and barging his way through the Westport defence before he was halted deep in the Westport 22′. The ball got recycled to the left wing where the on rushing Paul Cunnane gathered possession to cross over in the corner.

Westport stormed back down the pitch and forced the Colts to give away a number of penalties at ruck time, one of which resulted in a Colts yellow card. Westport used the numerical advantage to score in the corner and tie the game at 5-5.

It looked like this is how the game would stay as half time approached. However a quick Westport tap and go penalty on the Colts 5′ saw them cross to go in front 12-5 as the half time whistle blew.

The second half continued in much the same vein with Westport having much of the possession. The Colts however manged to turn their limited possession in to a vital score.

John Costello was again the catalyst for some inventive Colts play. His pin point Garryowen caused confusion in the Westport defence. Suddenly Diarmuid Griffith with ball in hand spotted a gap and burst through the flailing Wesptort tackles to score under the posts. Jack Vahey added the extras and it was all square with 2o minutes to play.

Try as the might the Colts could not edge their way back in front. A Westport penalty with 8 minutes to go gave them an advantage they would not relinquish. They with just minutes to play they worked a try in the corner off an forward move to seal the win on a 20-12 scoreline.

Colts:  S Meehan, P. Cunnane, D Griffith, L Murphy, M Curley, J Vahey, R Kelly, D Connor, A Maye, L Ronayne, D Coen, M Jennings, P Kilboyle, J Costello, L Griffith(c)

Subs Used: D Cosgrove, J Kean, K McIntyre, D Bell, J Fitzgerald, K Sheridan, P Finnegan