The Claremorris Colts U14’s journeyed to south Galway last Sunday morning to play fellow ‘top-of-table’ contenders Gort RFC in the Connacht Rugby Development League. Two evenly matched teams went head to head from the kick-off but as the game progressed home advantage came to the fore and Gort RFC emerged victorious on a 15 – 10 score line at the final whistle.

On kick off both teams were looking to put their stamp on the game .It was clear to see the both sets of players were a little nervous and making some simple errors early on. However the home side started to gain ground and build the pressure forcing some big defence from Claremorris. Colts captain Dermott Cawley was working hard around the rucks helped by Jack Fallon and Jack Gleeson. The Gort pack helped by their strong running backs started finding gaps and got in behind the Claremorris Colts U14’s defence to score the first try after 22min. Gort gathered the resultant restart and kicked in behind Claremorris and a good chase and very lucky bounce scored their second try on 23min. The Colts attacked hard for the remainder of the half but just could not find that gap to get them across the line

Some tough words at half time and a change, Michael John Duffy, back after a long layoff, in to number 8 and Jack Fallon into the centre with Joe Prendergast given way. So the Claremorris Colts U14’s went to attack the home side, Jack Kennedy made some hard yards and Joe Gilmore was brave on the ground winning loose ball. However a counter attack from Gort caught out the visitors and they extend their lead to 15. It was not looking good for Claremorris but on they fought, Jack Fallon now leading in attack and defence. It was this defensive pressure that forced a knock on from Gort. From the scrum Michael John picked and drove over the line to touch down. The Colts now started to find more confidence, Meihael Hett, Evan O’Brien moved the ball testing for weakness .After some good backs play Michael John drove over once more to get his second and narrow the gap to 5.  But time was now against the Claremorris Colts U14’s and the last 6 mins seemed to go too quick as they threw everything at Gort. And that’s how it finished the home side just holding on to claim the victory and that second spot in the league