The transition from Mini Rugby to Youths Rugby is traditionally a challenging one
as the players get used to the wide-open spaces of a full-size pitch. They need to manage
both this space and the opportunities available to the opposition.

After three competitive games the Ballina RFC U13s are steadily improving but more work, efficiency
and competitiveness is needed to see them achieve their first victory at this level following a narrow defeat to Corinthians on Saturday.

The boys have no problem scoring tries but that bit more work will ensure they
stop the opposition scoring more tries than them!

On Saturday, in Galway, tries from James O'Boyle, Jason Duggan and Billy Ruane were very well taken. Taskin Gezer, Tiernan Doherty and Josh Carey were stopped just short of the line as well.
Unfortunately, Corinthians scored five tries in reply and showed no hesitation when presented with the slightest of gaps in the Ballina defence.

New boys to the squad from Enniscrone, Oisin Gillespie and Oisin Mullarkey, put in good displays. Gillespie made a strong impression in the pack while Mullarkey has added good tackling to his sprinting efforts on the wing.

Mark Baynes put in a commanding performance at scrumhalf while Geesala duo Rory Ginty and Josh Carey (pictured) led the efforts in trying to combat a very strong Corinthians back line. Foxford's Caleb Power and Conor Ryder gave strong performances yet again.

Next Saturday, the U13s will be away to Monivea and with a little more work, commitment and energy we hope to see the boys finally rewarded with the higher try score on the day!