It may have been a cold, damp Sunday morning in Westport but that did not stop our U17’s from putting a blistering hot performance as we recorded our first league win of the season.

The game was barley two minutes old before the first try was scored. After some fine work off the back of the scrum Liam Murphy crashed over to get the scoreboard opertator working. Out-half Jack Vahey added the conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead. It was tough physical rugby for remainder of half with scores at a premium. The final play of the half saw Jack Vahey cut through the Westport defence performing popping off a well timed pass to the man on his shoulder Danny Barry who touched down under the posts. Vahey’s conversion meant it was 14-0 to the Colts at the half time break.

If the first half was tough and physical the second half was all about tries as the Colts bagged five more to cap an excellent team display. First up was the always reliable Danny O’Brien who cut through at least four Westport tacklers before getting the score. Next was that man again Liam Murphy who touched down after the Colts had been camped on the Westport line. Jack Vahey got in on the act to get his first try of the game. After some good work by the backs Vahey crossed to put the game beyond doubt. Try number six was scored by fullback Shane Ruane who ran along the touchline before sliding over in the corner. The final Colts try was scored by Jack Vahey who after intercepting a stray Westport pass ran half the pitch to put the game beyond doubt and give him a personal tally of 20 points. Captain Danny Barry added the conversion.

Credit to the Westports boys who didn’t give up and indeed were rewarded with the last score of the game as it finished 47-7 to the Claremorris boys. There was some excellent performance from all 19 Claremorris players on show with Liam Murphy outstanding as usual, along with Danny O’Brien, Jack Vahey and Shane Ruane.

Team: S. Ruane, D Mellet, D. Barry(C), L. Osbourne, P. Breakell, 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, C. Hennelly, S. Walsh