Claremorris Colts went down to an agonising one point defeat at the hands of Galwegians in Crowley Park last Sunday on what was an historic day for the Colts as they made their debut in the Connacht Junior league. Micheal Hett was there to witness the action.

Galwegians dominated the early stages with their larger pack putting on lots of pressure. The breakthrough finally arrived when their out half scythed through for a try in the 14th minute after a prolonged spell of pressure. The conversion was also successful

Despite the efforts of the aggressive Fergal Leonard and the workaholic Liam Griffith to get Claremorris into the game, Galwegians continued to press their scrum and lineout advantage and they went over for another try by their prop which went unconverted leaving the score 12-0 to Galwegians after half an hour. That score seemed to rouse Claremorris and they finished the half strongly with some excellent ball carrying and skilful off-loading in the tackle by David O ‘Connor, Luke Ronayne and Paraic Kilboyle in particular.  However the score remained 12-0 at the half time break.

The second half resumed with Claremorris firmly in the ascendancy with their quicker, more mobile pack running the legs off their immediate opponents.  Their maul was also seen to great effect as yard upon yard was gained.  Finally the pressure told as Luke Ronayne barrelled in for the Colts first try in junior rugby.  Shane Meehan added the extras to reduce the deficit to 12-7.

The Colts tails were up at this stage and when a Galwegians attack broke down, David Cosgrove fly kicked the ball  a few yards, gathered it on the run and galloped the remaining 70 yards for a terrific individual score.  Shane Meehan added the extras and Claremorris were two points up, 14-12.

Claremorris could smell blood and they started playing with great purpose and adventure and when Luke Ronayne found some open country in the Galwegians 22, he pinned the ears back and went for the line to get his 2nd try of the game.  Shane Meehan failed to add the extras but it still left Claremorris with a seemingly healthy 19-12 lead going into the last five minutes.

However, inexperience told as Claremorris were pinged for being ahead of the kicker thus giving Galwegians a good attacking platform which they exploited ruthlessly. A swift backline move from the scrum resulted in a touchdown in the corner which was not converted.  It was still a two point game in favour of the Colts but panic was setting in.  Claremorris failed to deal with the restart convincingly and gave away the penalty which resulted in a heartbreaking one point defeat.

While it was a disappointing result, there were many positives to take from the game.  The Colts handling and off-loading was excellent and their willingness to run the ball was great to watch.  The maul was also a potent attacking weapon.

Claremorris had some excellent performers with man of the match Liam Griffith outstanding in the back row.  Others to feature prominently  in the pack were Luke Ronayne, David O’Connor, Fergal Leonard (until injured) and Paraic Kilboyle.  David Bell, Shane Meehan, substitute Paddy Finnegan, David Cosgrove and Ian O’ Brien were the best of the backs.

Team: I O’Brien, D McDonagh, K Sheridan, S Devane, D Cosgrove, S Meehan, D Bell, D O’Connor, A Maye, L Ronayne, P Noone, Leonard, J McLaughlin, P Kilboyle, L Griffith

Subs Used: P Finnegan, M Jennings, D Coen, K Groake, K O’Connor