Well, what a game that was, helter skelter from first whistle to last as we overcame Sligo RFC in round three of the Connacht rugby U17 league.
The game had hardly passed the five minute mark before some magic from Colts out-half Jack Vahey who kicked through the Sligo defence before gathering and touching down to get his side up and running. He also added the two bonus points for a 7-0 lead. It didn’t take too much longer for Shane Ruane to get in on the act as finished off a finishing passing move involving the Colts backs. Vahey again added the extra points to make it 14-0.
If the Colts thought it was easy street from here on they were sadly mistaken as two quick fire tries had the game tied at 14-14 as we entered the second quarter of the game. This sparked the Colts back into life as try number three was scored by that man Vahey again. It looked like the Colts would head to the half time break 21-14 up but some sloppy defence saw Sligo cross over and leave the game finally balanced at 21-19 to Claremorris as the teams changed ends.
Sligo were quickest out of the blocks as the game restarted and got the score they play deserved after some sustained pressure on the Colts line. Sligo now led for the first time in the game 26-21. They didn’t hold the lead for long as Vahey struck again with a quick tap and go penalty to put his side back in front 28-26.
The Colts now were up to the pace of the second half and Stephen Murphy extended the Colts lead when he touched down for try number five after some excellent work by the Claremorris forwards. This concession inspired the Sligo boys as back they came with two rapid fire tries and once again regain the lead at 36-33.
As the game entered the final minutes it looked as the Sligo had done enough but one last surge from the Claremorris players saw David Mellet seal the win as he sneaked over in the corner after some excellent team play. This proved to be the final score of the game as Claremorris came out on top in a thrilling game by 38-36.
Team: S. Ruane, D Mellet, P. Breakell, L. Osbourne, S. Baral, J. Vahey, S. Murphy, A. Ronayne, J.Cooley, J. Ruane, D. O Brien, C. McTigue, S. Gilbert, T. Browne, L. Murphy
Subs Used: E. Slattery, C. Ryan,