A great crowd turned out to watch the sun-splashed semifinal with high expectations of a home win due to the quality the players on view, but Ballinrobe were the defending champions and determined to retain the crown.
Ballina started strongly and good play between the backs led to both Michael Cribben and Niall Keane crossing over the white line but both tries were disallowed due to infringements in the lead up.
This rattled the home side somewhat but it wasn't long before a penalty was awarded and the safe option of going for the posts was taken for Craig McCormick to kick the opening score.

Both packs were tearing into one another at that stage with heavy hits and meters being made epically by Chris Healy, Ian Kearney and Brian Boland. The lineouts were working well, orchestrated by Luke Sweeney with Billy McVann hitting his target every time and Oisin Loughney back to his aerial best.

Eventually, Ballina's try came after fine play out the field released the ball to Bradley Nealon who crossed over and Craig McCormick converted for a 10-0 lead at the break.

The Ballina squad was being intelligently rotated at that stage with Conor Boyce, Rian Donnellan and Dylan Prendergast catching the eye when introduced. Unfortunately not long into the half Bradley Nealon was carded for a non-arm tackle and the leaders were reduced to 14.
Ballinrobe were dominant at that stage and eventually crossed over for the try they deserved.

That closed the gap to 10 -7 and nervous tension reigned supreme as mistakes crept into Ballina play all over the field. Over-carrying by some instead of passing; scrums being lost and then a high tackle by Nealon saw him get a second yellow which meant a red and Ballina had to play the final 15 minutes with 14 players.

However, instead of falling apart the lads stood firm and mangement made some changes. Niall McNulty who had played his heart out was taken off and Ronan Molloy was brought back on to join Craig McCormick at center with Michael Cribben dropped back to cover wing and full back. Fresh legs were also introduced up front with Rian Donnellan and Conor Boyce and Conor McHale coming on.

Ballina got a break and made a cut upfield with John Luskin and Cribben combining well again. This resulted in a penalty being awarded and Ballina opted for the posts and Dylan Prendergast slotted over for a 13-7 lead.

The game was still there for the taking as time ticked away and Ballinrobe did their damdest to take it but Ballina's defence was too good and Ballinrobe couldn't break through.

Another break upfield resulted in a penalty for Ballina, but with time up and energy spent so the ball was kicked out and Ballina were into another final.

This match saw a panel of 21 players tog all who got time on the field and it was great to have Oisin Loughney and Conor McHale back to join the others who returned last week as well as Conor Boyce and James Walsh from the U18.5s.
Next week will see even more players available which will give management PJ Molloy Alan McCormick and Martin Boland plenty to ponder as they train this week to iron out the problems and fine tune this team as we all look forward to an exciting final next Saturday against Corthians who beat Creggs in their semi-final.

Thanks again to all the people who turned out to support the U20s and to Pauline Boland, Aine Molloy, Georgie McNulty and Sandra Cribben for looking after everyone afterwards.