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Boys in Green pipped in U-17 Bowl semi-final
Michael Gallagher16 Apr - 11:00
High-scoring Bowl semi-final ends in defeat
CONNACHT U-17 BOWL SEMI-FINAL
Ballina 31-40 Westport
A depleted Ballina side put up a tremendous display before succumbing to a physically strong and well drilled Westport side in a high scoring Bowl Semi Final, in Ballina on Sunday.
Due to injuries and late withdrawals, the home side could only field the starting 15, but each one of the team gave their utmost throughout, in a try-laden game.
Westport took an early lead inside two minutes, going over under the posts. However, the conversion just missed so the visitors held sway 5-0. Undaunted by the early set back, Ballina established territorial advantage in the opposition half, and Tom Ruane went over and duly converted his own try to put the Boys in Green 7-5 up after 11 minutes.
There followed a series of attacks from both sides, with Westport using their strong pack to carry, but they were met with tenacious defence from the home side, who gave a masterclass in tackling.
After some concerted Westport pressure, they managed to breach the home defence on 32 minutes and with the successful; conversion, went into half-time with a five-point lead 7-12.
The next score was crucial, and despite initial home pressure, the visitors broke and worked the ball into the Ballina 22 and used their power in the pack to get a vital try , which again was converted to extend the Westport advantage to 12 points.
Indiscipline in the visitors ranks, brought on by relentless pressure by Ballina, led to two successive yellow cards. This afforded Ballina the opportunity to reduce the deficit with an excellent Tom Ruane try on 41 minutes, finishing off a sweeping backline move in the left corner. Sustained pressure and some innovative backline moves yielded another try on 52 minutes, with Cathal Finan finishing off a fine move, and Tom Ruane adding the points to bring parity to the scoreboard 19-19.
To their credit and with the exertion of the game taking its toll on the home side, Westport seized the initiative and posted two converted tries to establish a 12-point lead with 12 minutes left.
Team captain Anthony Neary, led by example and scored an excellent try after a weaving run, to reduce the lead to nine. However, Westport put the game out of reach of the gallant home side with a converted breakaway try to lead 24-41 with four minutes remaining on the game clock.
The Ballina Boys did not wilt, and a superb move in midfield off a set play, set Tom Ruane in on goal, and he drove at the heart of the visitors defence, weaving his way over the line for the score of the game. Tom converted in the final act of a high quality game to leave Westport the victors on a scoreline of Ballina 31 Westport 40.
Despite the loss which means the season has ended, the boys can be very proud of their efforts on Sunday and throughout the season. Despite some challenges with a lengthy injury list, the squad has played some outstanding rugby and can count themselves unfortunate not to have some tangible reward for their efforts.
A massive Thank You to all the players whose dedication to training and games has been outstanding, to Captain Anthony Neary for his exceptional leadership on the field, to the coaches - Head Coach Jim Mescal, Mickey Murphy, Seamus Fitzpatrick and Jack Murphy for their commitment to making the boys the best they can be.
Special thanks to Pauline Langan for the superb catering and hospitality and for all the other jobs she performs for the team. Thanks to John Rushe for organising the transport to away games. Thank you to all the parents, guardians etc. who have shown great support to the lads throughout the season. We hope you enjoy the Easter and summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you all back for the new season.
Ballina 31-40 Westport
A depleted Ballina side put up a tremendous display before succumbing to a physically strong and well drilled Westport side in a high scoring Bowl Semi Final, in Ballina on Sunday.
Due to injuries and late withdrawals, the home side could only field the starting 15, but each one of the team gave their utmost throughout, in a try-laden game.
Westport took an early lead inside two minutes, going over under the posts. However, the conversion just missed so the visitors held sway 5-0. Undaunted by the early set back, Ballina established territorial advantage in the opposition half, and Tom Ruane went over and duly converted his own try to put the Boys in Green 7-5 up after 11 minutes.
There followed a series of attacks from both sides, with Westport using their strong pack to carry, but they were met with tenacious defence from the home side, who gave a masterclass in tackling.
After some concerted Westport pressure, they managed to breach the home defence on 32 minutes and with the successful; conversion, went into half-time with a five-point lead 7-12.
The next score was crucial, and despite initial home pressure, the visitors broke and worked the ball into the Ballina 22 and used their power in the pack to get a vital try , which again was converted to extend the Westport advantage to 12 points.
Indiscipline in the visitors ranks, brought on by relentless pressure by Ballina, led to two successive yellow cards. This afforded Ballina the opportunity to reduce the deficit with an excellent Tom Ruane try on 41 minutes, finishing off a sweeping backline move in the left corner. Sustained pressure and some innovative backline moves yielded another try on 52 minutes, with Cathal Finan finishing off a fine move, and Tom Ruane adding the points to bring parity to the scoreboard 19-19.
To their credit and with the exertion of the game taking its toll on the home side, Westport seized the initiative and posted two converted tries to establish a 12-point lead with 12 minutes left.
Team captain Anthony Neary, led by example and scored an excellent try after a weaving run, to reduce the lead to nine. However, Westport put the game out of reach of the gallant home side with a converted breakaway try to lead 24-41 with four minutes remaining on the game clock.
The Ballina Boys did not wilt, and a superb move in midfield off a set play, set Tom Ruane in on goal, and he drove at the heart of the visitors defence, weaving his way over the line for the score of the game. Tom converted in the final act of a high quality game to leave Westport the victors on a scoreline of Ballina 31 Westport 40.
Despite the loss which means the season has ended, the boys can be very proud of their efforts on Sunday and throughout the season. Despite some challenges with a lengthy injury list, the squad has played some outstanding rugby and can count themselves unfortunate not to have some tangible reward for their efforts.
A massive Thank You to all the players whose dedication to training and games has been outstanding, to Captain Anthony Neary for his exceptional leadership on the field, to the coaches - Head Coach Jim Mescal, Mickey Murphy, Seamus Fitzpatrick and Jack Murphy for their commitment to making the boys the best they can be.
Special thanks to Pauline Langan for the superb catering and hospitality and for all the other jobs she performs for the team. Thanks to John Rushe for organising the transport to away games. Thank you to all the parents, guardians etc. who have shown great support to the lads throughout the season. We hope you enjoy the Easter and summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you all back for the new season.
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