U16 Boys look back on epic win and forward to cup semi-final

There are always rivalries in sport and when those rivals are your close neighbours that's when its at its best. Throw a cup match and a fourth meeting this season into the equation and add the ball and you have the makings of a classic and on the Monday following St.Patricks Day, Ballina and Sligo U16 teams served up one that will live long in the memory of all lucky enough to have witnessed it.
Ballina travelled to Strandhill knowing that only a giant effort would see them safe as Sligo had lost any fear of the boys in green in the drawn first match and the Moy boys understood that the boys from Yeats County would keep coming and coming 'til the final whistle .
From the outset both sides went at it full tilt with Sligo driving at the heart of the visitors defence. Sligo moved the ball out to the wing but the Moy boys were up hard in defence and quick-as-you-like Seamus Mason intercepted on the far wing and with Sligo players breathing down his neck he crossed in the corner and had enough time to run the touch down closer to the post for the conversion to be successful as Ballina opened a 0-7 lead.

However, as predicted, Sligo came back with vengeance, pressing hard in the '22. After a series of rucks they were creeping in towards the posts before suddenly Sligo switching the point of attack to crash over out wide for a converted try - 7-7 .
This was a great boost for Sligo and they came pressing again. In the rush to keep them out a penalty was given away and the home side were 10-7 in front when the half time whistle was blown.
After the break, the pace did not reduce but it was not until the 20th minute that the score changed. Sligo were awarded a penalty but failed to reach touch. Ballina gathered and counter attacked. The ball ended up in Sam Callinan’s hands and he took off from about the half way carving open the Sligo defence leaving them all in his wake and crashing over to the right of the posts. Harry West converted for a 10-14 advantage.

Again, Sligo came looking to take back the lead and came hard at the guests. A penalty was awarded mid way inside the Ballina half. Sligo elected to kick for the posts but the effort fell short. A booming kick was sent down the field in reply, with all of Ballina’s speed merchants in pursuit. Sligo scrambled back and breathed a huge sigh of relief when they survived.
In desperation, Sligo fought their way up the field and a series of lineouts took place. The clock was ticking slowly down and after what seemed like an age had passed, the final whistle sounded to unleash joy unbounded .
The boys in green knew then that they had given their all and management hope they have learned that cup rugby can turn on the smallest of things.
Management would like to thank all the squad who helped prepare for this cup tie and to stress to players, parents and to the wider club the pressure that is coming down the line in the next month.
This weekend, sees the cup semi-final at home versus Corinthians and the following weekend the All-Ireland semi–final which has been fixed for Limerick.
So it will take a big level of commitment. Also the need for a larger squad management appreciate the inclusion of some U15 and U17 players in the squad for both competitions. They are needed with the pressure from others codes and also injuries. This is the first time Ballina have qualified for the All Ireland series so it is new territory.
So shoulders to the wheel and we will see what happens.

BALLINA: Darragh Walsh (Capt), Daniel Boland, Cormac Jackson, Hedd Morgan, Harry Reagan, Jack Gawley, Alex Hennigan, Fiachna Barrett, Davin Feeney, Harry West, Liam Golden, Tomás O'Boyle, Sean Murphy, John Ginty, Liam Connor,Paul Brennan, Kian Meyerink, Cian Gibbons, Iarla Quinn, Mark Barret, Alex Moran, Aaron O’Malley, Kyran Jordan, Sam Callinan, Blair Norton, Cathal Kelly, Cian Anderson