Claremorris Colts Junior team started 2014 with a victory when they defeated Castlebar 21-15 on a bitterly cold Saturday evening in Cloondeash and Micheal Hett was there to witness the action.

Claremorris were playing into a tricky wind in the first half and from the very first minute they showed their intentions by running a series of tap and go penalties, playing at a tempo that Castlebar found hard to live with.

This positive play from the Colts resulted in an early breakthrough when David Bell kicked into space behind the Castlebar defence resulting in great field position and after taking the ball through a series of phases across the ’22’, Luke Ronayne thundered his way over the line for the opening try.  Out half Paddy Finnegan added the extras for a 7-0 lead.Claremorris dominated the next 10 minutes with some excellent carries from Fergal Leonard and Paddy Finnegan but no scores accrued and when some fine line kicking by the Castlebar backs and a mal-functioning Colts lineout got Castlebar some good field position, the Castlebar backs scythed through the Colts defence for a fine unconverted try. The score after 20 minutes was 7-5 to the Colts.

Castlebar were buoyed by this score and their game increased in intensity and it wasn’t long before they had a second unconverted try when five minutes of huge pressure on a scrambling Colts defence resulted in a try from close range, giving Castlebar a 10-7 lead.

The game was entering a crucial phase leading into half time when Claremorris made a breakthrough. A loose Castlebar clearance resulted in full back Ian O’Brien and winger Damien Meehan combining to devastating effect to bring the ball to within a few feet of the try line. A series of phases on the line brought the Colts closer and closer until scrum half David Bell squirmed over for the try. Paddy Finnegan added the conversion leaving the score 14-10 to the Colts at half time.

Castlebar came out in the second half with a renewed vigour and some excellent ball carrying by their destructive loose forwards  got them very close to the Colts line. Despite an heroic rearguard action by the Colts, Castlebar finally got over for an unconverted try leaving the score at 15-14 to Castlebar after 44 minutes.

Claremorris’ response was quick and incisive. A brilliant 40 yard break down the wing by Paul Cunnane got Claremorris into attacking territory. Terrific work by an excellent Colts forward unit got the Colts within 5 yards of the line and there was an air of inevitability as Luke Ronayne powered over for what proved to be the winning try. Paddy Finnegan added the conversion which left the score 21-15.

This was a huge victory for the Colts.  The forwards laid the groundwork with a fantastic collective effort which resulted in them dominating the scrum from start to finish.  The backs have improved hugely from game to game.  The hands are quicker and some of the set moves look very dangerous.  Great credit must go to coach Michael Smith and his players for the improvement which sees Claremorris move up to 7th in the 11 team Connacht J2 league.

Best for Claremorris  on a great day for the team were forwards Luke Ronayne, David Coen, Fergal Leonard, Liam Griffith, half backs David Bell and Paddy Finnegan and the back three of Ian O’Brien, Damien Meehan and Paul Cunnane.

Colts:  15. Ian O’Brien 14. Paul Cunnane 13. Kevin Sheridan 12. Dara McDonagh  11. Damien Meehan 10. Paddy Finnegan  9. David Bell  1. Luke Ronayne 2. Dave O’Connor 3. Thomas Cryan 4. David Coen 5. Fergal Leonard(C) 6. John Costello 7. Padraig Kilboyle 8. Liam Griffith

Subs used: Pearse Hahessy, Joe Moran, Shane Devane, David Cosgrave, Barry Deegan, Kenneth Groarke