The great cup run of Ballina’s U13 Boys came to an end in Strandhill on Saturday after a fine game of rugby between two very competitive sides.

The match began with a strong Sligo pack driving through for a try after 10 minutes and the conversion duly followed.
Within minutes another Sligo attack led to a try in the corner for a 12-0 lead.
Ballina needed to respond and solid tackling by Raef Donnelly aided by crisp play on the wing from Evan Donoghue laid the foundations for a Ballina comeback.
Improved back row play paid off with an Oisin Mullarkey try for a 12-5 scoreline at half time.

The introduction of tough tackling Caleb Power and Darragh Staunton steadied the Ballina ship early in the second half. A great passing movement led to Mullarkey finishing off in the corner to leave just a two-point gap between the sides.
Strong drives through the Sligo centre by Taskin Gezer were stopped quickly by a blanket Sligo defence and could not be capitalised on by the supporting Ballina boys.

Shortly after however the Sligo pack drove in for another try which was followed after by a great individual try from their winger.
With the score at 24 - 10 all looked lost for the Ballina boys.
However, new boy Sean Scanlon was sprung from the bench at this stage and a brilliant piece of play from him set up Mullarkey for Ballina's third try to leave the final scoreboard reading Sligo 24-15.

A brave Ballina pack led by Tiernan Doherty, Conor Ryder and Daniel Kneafsey gave 100% against a superb Sligo pack. An exemplary display by Geesala boys Rory Ginty at full back and Josh Carey at out half were testament to their work and dedication all season.
The Ballina backs gave a super attacking display setting up Oisin Mullarkey for the team's three tries.

Ballina RFC U13s wish their Sligo counterparts the best of luck in the Cup Final in a fortnight's time.

On arrival back home, the Ballina bus pulled in to not the rugby club but at Pizza Mia in the town centre!
Proprietor Mustafa Gezer very generously treated the boys and their coaches to a sit-down meal in recognition of all the work they had put in since last August with Ballina RFC.
Mustafa's generosity was very much appreciated by all the players and coaches.