Ballina U18.5 Boys Claim Impressive Win on the Road

Carrick-on-Shannon 43 – Ballina 67

Ballina U18.5 Boys recorded a brilliant win on the road against a strong and favoured Carrick-on-Shannon side, coming away with a 67–43 victory.

The final scoreline doesn’t tell the full story of what was a tight and physical battle, particularly up front. The Ballina forwards fought all day against a much larger Carrick pack and the boys realised early on that getting the ball out through the back line was going to be their best option.

At half-time, there was very little between the sides, with Carrick leading 24–22.

Ballina had missed a few tackles during the opening half, allowing the Leitrim side to score through the middle. The half-time message to the team was about courage, belief and taking responsibility.

A different Ballina team emerged after the break.

Forwards coach Jack Murphy had great belief in the lads’ line-outs and scrums, and he wasn’t disappointed. The platform was set, line-outs were won, the scrum held strong and the backs were given the ball and the opportunity to express themselves.

What followed was a hugely entertaining second half from Ballina.

Mayo’s GAA team has a reputation for bringing chaos to a game, and Ballina’s attack brought that to a new level. Tom Ruane crossed for six tries, Liam Sweeney scored two, while Alex Mescal, Senan Tolan and Robert Young added one try each. Eoin Golden converted six.

It brought the final score to:

Carrick-on-Shannon 43 – Ballina 67

A brilliant result for the lads by the Moy after a competitive and physical game against a strong Carrick-on-Shannon side.

Next up for the Ballina U18.5 Boys is Ballinrobe at home next Sunday at 11.30am