Ballina U14's Win Tough Away From Home

Ballina travelled with a panel of 22 on a perfect day from rugby for an away match against a Tuam side promoted from the development league last season ,Ballina had not played against Tuam since they met in mini rugby at least 4 seasons ago so we were going into the unknown but Tuam’s results in the league suggested that they were a useful side and it proved thus.

From the kick off Ballina tore into their task and after 5 minutes after a period of sustained pressure Sean Murphy scored to the left of the posts which was converted by David Feeney.Shortly after Ballina struck from deep with Sam Callinan breaking through several tackles to touch down under the sticks this was converted by Daniel Winters.Ballina had Tuam on the ropes but the home team fought back and camped in the visitors 22 and forced a knock on close to the line from the following scrum Ballina attempted to kick to touch but Tuam blocked the attempt and touched down , the try was converted ,this gave the home team some hope .From the kick off Tuam worked their way back up the pitch and applied significant pressure but an inspired break by Alex Hennigan and some quality rucking and Ballina scored out wide this wasn’t converted.Bouyed by their earlier try Tuam trusted their systems and twice struck through their left wing, one which was converted the half time whistle came just in time, 19 –19 at half time.With the half time talk ringing their ears Ballina ripped into the opposition tackling everything that moved turning, over the ball regularly and attacking with intelligence the back row of Liam Golden Ciaran Boland and Alex Hennigan causing mayham,Sam Callinan scored following one of these turnovers .Ballina fought up the field again and following a series of penalties which Ballina tried to muscle over the line then the visitors spun the ball out and Iarla Quinn darted over under the posts ,David Feeney converted.The front five of Alex Moran Daragh Walsh, Sean Moran,Patrick Morrin and Jack Gawley competed at every scrum and were supporting each other and the back line around the pitch.The backs which included Seamus Mason ,Mark Barrett,Daniel Winters, Micheal McHale,and Paul Brennan are turning into a skilful unit willing to take on all comers and are a joy to watch.Following some fierce tackling the the ball was turned over and with some smart interplay the ball ended up with Sam Callinan who touched down out wide, this was not converted. Tuam fought back gamely but Ballina stuck to the task and were tired but thrilled when the final whistle was blown. Everybody was relieved and thrilled with the win and know that they learned more from this game than from the easy wins in previous games.

Alex Moran,Darragh Walsh,Patrick Morrin,Sean Murphy,Jack Gawley( c ) Alex Hennigan,Liam Golden,Ciaran Boland,David Feeney ,Iarla Quinn, Sam Callinan, Seamus Mason, Daniel Winters, Mark Barrett, Paul Brennan,Daniel Boland, Ronan McGlouglin, Micheal McHale,James Rafter,Kian Meyrerink, Eoin Fox.