Courageous U15s secure league title

Ballina 22-13 Corinthians
Like whispers on the wind, word has spread through Connacht week after week of a special bunch of young men from Heffernan Park who have been playing sparkling rugby.

Their style, strength and silky skills have caught the eye wherever they have played but today this special bunch confirmed to one and all, that they also certainly have a courageous heart beating at the centre of everything they do.

Our boys have been unbeaten for a full 12 months and more, and there were certainly times today when it looked as if that record was hanging by a thread but they fought for every inch of ground and streaked home thanks to some stunning running rugby and powerful defence.

A dream start yielded tries from Paul Brennan and Patrick Morrin as Ballina powered forward, but Corinthians are a very talented outfit and replied to score 13 unanswered points in the second quarter to lead 13-10 at the interval.

The Galway boys were on the front foot at that stage and their kicking game was keeping Ballina pinned back in their own '22. The Moy boys found it hard to find a footing in the Corinthians' half and it required tremendous defensive co-ordination and discipline to prevent the deficit widening.

The large Ballina following were living on their nerves at that stage as they urged the Heffernan Park boys to greater things. Corinthians tried everything they knew to get the next score but couldn't find a way through the Ballina barrier and with 12 minutes remaining a powerful move took the Greens into the Corinthians' red-zone.

Ballina pounded forward time and time again before eventually, Iarla Quinn drove over in the left corner and the roar could be heard back in North Mayo. Ballina were ahead 15-13 and all was right with the world again.

Harry West was just short with his conversion effort from the touchline but the Gods were shining on Ballina and two minutes later the crowd roared Sam Callinan home when he out-sprinted the Corinthians cover and touched down between the sticks.
Harry West kicked the conversion and suddenly Ballina had come from three points down to enjoy a lead of nine, 22-13.

Corinthians tried their best over the closing minutes to get back into contention but Ballina tackled and tackled and tackled to keep the lead intact as the crowd cracked the clouds with their raucous support.

Eventually, the final whistle sounded and scenes of mad celebration broke out on the field and on the sideline. It was a special day for a very special group of boys and soon their focus will turn to their upcoming cup clash with Corinthians - it promises to be another thriller.

This scribe deliberately only mentioned the scorers today because each and every one of the entire squad contributed hugely to this league campaign and it would be unfair to pick out anyone without mentioning everyone.
Their efforts at training and during games has been nothing short of excellent and alongside coaches, Richard West and John Gawley, they can take great satisfaction from a job well done!

BALLINA: Hedd Morgan, Darragh Walsh, Patrick Morrin, Sean Murphy, Jack Gawley, Alex Hennigan, Ciaran Boland (Capt), Fiachna Barrett, Davin Feeney, Harry West, Seamus Mason, Sam Callinan, Liam Golden, Paul Brennan, Iarla Quinn
Replacements: Liam Connor, Daniel Boland, Alex Moran, Thomas O'Boyle, John Ginty, Eoin Fox, Cian Meryerink, Cormac Jackson, Mark Barrett, Cian Gibbons, Harry Regan