The Claremorris U17 team started the New Year in fine style after a hard fought win over Ballina RFC in Ballyhaunis last Saturday. This win now guarantees the Colts qualify for the Connacht league playoffs.
The Claremorris lads made the brighter start, with their rucking and tackling much better than their opponents. After some sustained pressure they got their first points of the game through the boot of out half Jack Vahey. Although the hosts were playing the better rugby it was Ballina who got the game’s opening try. After some neat interchange among the Ballina backs they cut through the centre of the Colts defence with ease to touch down under the posts, for a 7-3 lead. This is how it would stay for the majority of the half.
As the game approached half-time the Colts took the game by the scruff of the neck with two quick fire tries establishing a half-time lead. The first was all down to centre Cathal Hennelly whose dummy pass and run broke clear of Ballina defence before crossing over. The second was all about Danny O’Brien who claimed the restart after that Hennelly try and returned it with interest. Out-half Jack Vahey converted both for a lead at halftime 17-7.
The Ballina boys clearly upped their game in the second half and got the score their play deserved five minutes into the half, to cut the deficit to 17-12. The game was now finally balanced with the next score going to be crucial. Thankfully from our point of view it was Claremorris who got it. Jack Vahey picked up the ball and his pace ensured he made good ground inside the Ballina 22′ before he popped off to Shane Ruane who laid off the perfect pass to the onrushing Cathal Hennelly to touchdown in the corner. Vahey added the bonus points to leave the hosts in front 24-12.
There were still ten minutes to play and Ballina got one of the two tries they needed after some great play by their forwards. They also added the conversion and now there was only five points between the teams. However the Colts defence would not breached in the final minutes and they held on for an excellent win 24-19.
Thanks to Willie Murphy for the photos.
Team: S. Ruane, P. Barry, D. Barry, C. Hennelly, D. Mellet, J. Vahey, S. Murphy(C), A. Ronayne, J.Ruane, C. Ryan, E. Slattery, S. Baral, D. O Brien, T. Browne, L. Murphy
Subs: S. Gilbert, J. Malee
