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U-17 Boys prevail in rip-roaring challenge game in Sligo

U-17 Boys prevail in rip-roaring challenge game in Sligo

Michael Gallagher3 Feb - 19:03

Epic challenge match ends in one-point win

Sligo U-17 Boys 24
Ballina U-17 Boys 25
A superb team performance was justly rewarded as Ballina’s depleted U-17 boys prevailed over the hosts in an excellent game in difficult conditions in Sligo.
With very muddy underfoot conditions and a swirling wind, both sides served up a feast of rugby, with an array of skills both in defence and attack on display.
The visitors started the game brightly and struck early in proceedings with a trademark try from scrum half Alex Mescal, who broke from the edge of a ruck to go over to the right of the posts. Tom Ruane converted with a lovely strike to give Ballina a 7-0 lead.
However, this lead was short lived as in the next attack, Sligo broke through the Moysiders defence to touch down and draw level with the conversion.

Sligo scored an unconverted try to forge ahead by 12-7. Again the visitors regrouped and a penalty in front of the posts was dispatched by Tom Ruane to cut the hosts lead to two points.

As has become customary, Conor Murphy then took centre stage and scored a brace of tries, one with a strong run to touchdown, the other with a strong push from the pack to cross the whitewash and get reward for sustained Ballina pressure. Both tries remained unconverted in what was difficult kicking conditions, leaving the boys in Green ahead on the scoreboard , 20-12.

Sligo then mounted sustained pressure on the Ballina rearguard, and after some innovative attacking play, they breached the gallant Ballina defence twice in quick succession to establish a four-point lead 24-20 as we headed down the home straight.

On a day when everyone in Ballina green gave every ounce of energy for the badge, Joe Gallagher capped a fine display coming up with the winning try to seal a great victory by a single point 24-25.

Both teams deserve great credit for serving up a high quality game and for providing rich entertainment for the watching supporters. All the Ballina boys played at the top of their game and can be very satisfied with this victory. A rendition of the Boys from the County Mayo rang out of the jubilant away dressing room. Special word of thanks to U-16’s Eoin Golden and Jamie Devers who helped in no small way to achieve this victory.

Well done boys and we look forward with renewed confidence to the upcoming Cup campaign in a fortnight’s time.

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