The Connacht U14 league is off and running. A 24 man squad travelled to Ballaghaderreen RFC last Sunday for a tough away fixture in round 1. The home team got off to a great start and went ahead with a try under the posts after 5 minutes.
This didn’t dampen Claremorris spirits with Phelim Browne, Stephan Mc Greal and Brian Quinn making the hard yards up front to try and get Claremorris back into the game. Brandon Walsh was giving great service for the backs who were gradually starting to find space out wide. That’s exactly what happened when Ronan Commons scored a great try after 12 minutes to level the scores. Again the home team attacked, but some fierce defence from Liam Walsh, Henry Keane and Daniel Murphy kept the hosts at bay. However once Ballaghaderreen got their big players moving they proved very hard to stop and they got over for a second try to leave the home team ahead 12 – 5. The Colts came back with great spirit and endeavour before Brandon Walsh finished off a great team try. At the half time break it was 12-10 to Ballaghaderreen.
With the second half underway the Colts looked to their bench to change the game. On came Jason Kelly, Oisin Hunt & Jack Ronayne to kick off their seasons. It was also a big day for Alan Thornton who made his debut for the Colts at tight-head. This half went like the first with the home side getting the first score, a 7 pointer. However back came Claremorris with their captain Brian Quinn leading by example who scored a brilliant intercept try to keep his team within touching distance.
The Colts now hit a purple patch and put a lot of pressure on the home side with Dylan Jennings and Oisin Hunt leading the way. As the clock ticked the Colts made some final changes with John O’Conor, Brian McGuinness, Joseph McDonagh and Diarmuid Staunton bringing a bit of freshness to the game. However try as they might the Colts could not get back on terms and it was the home team who finished strongest with the last try of the game to gain a win for the home side on a score line of 24-17.
So a loss to start off the season, but the performance and the skill on show from the Colts leaves a lot to look forward to for the rest of the year. Round 2 of the league takes place on Sunday 14th October against NUIG in Ballyhaunis, kick-off 11.30am.