MIXED FORTUNES FOR BALLINASLOE
Ballinasloe were in action on three fronts at the week-end, contesting two cup finals and a semi-final. The first team crashed out of the Cawley Cup at the penultimate stage when going down by the narrowest of margins to
BALLINASLOE 23 – 24
Ballinasloe took on
Ballinasloe were first on the board with a Ruaidhri Doolan penalty before
To their great credit, Ballinasloe steadied the ship and were back in front with fifteen minutes left on the clock. First, a big drive by the forwards helped John Hayes over for a try before second row, Niall Staunton, put in a strong run to touch down in the corner with both conversions being missed. The score was now 23 -19 to the locals who had worked their way valiantly back into the game. But there was to be a sting in the tail. Much of Ballinasloe’s previous good work came undone when a sloppy clearance from their own 22 gifted
BALLINASLOE: D.Burke, D.Freeman, C.Gormley, R.Cullinan, Cian Loughrey, R.Doolan, Conor Loughrey, K.Gavin, A.O’Hara(capt), J.J.Carey, K.Headd, N.Staunton, A.Loughrey, J.Hayes, R.Wakefield. Replacements: M.Harrigan, H.Reynolds, A.Wade, A.Doorley, J.Dillon.
BALLINASLOE 12 – 5
Ballinasloe U13s recorded a thrilling 12 points to 5 Cup final win over a tenacious
The second period saw plenty of running rugby and some speedy breaks by the winners caused problems for the
This U13 squad has had a hugely successful season, now adding the cup to the league which they won earlier on. They played 14 games, winning 13 and drawing one, including three wins against teams outside the province, namely, Tullamore, Nenagh and
Ballinasloe Team: L.Creavin, D.Farrell, S.Horkan, S.Jennings, J.Cunningham, C.Treacy, C.Finn, J.Curley, O.Dooley, S.Egan, N.Muldoon, P.Grenham, J.Carry, O.McCormack, F.Finneran. Extended Squad Members- C.Silke, R.Shiel, L.Corbett, Z.Moloney, P.Flanagan, C.Potter, J.Moore, L.Dunne, O.Larkin, C.Spain, G.O’Dowd, D.Hopkins, N.McDermott, P.Galvin.
BALLINASLOE 7 – 11 BUCCANEERS
Ballinasloe did not get many breaks in this U17 Cup final against arch rivals, Buccaneers, at the Sportsground on Saturday. Getting off to a slow start did not help their cause especially as they had the wind at their backs in the opening period. Buccs opened the scoring with a penalty and added a try to lead 8-0 at the break.
It was a rejuvenated Ballinasloe side that took the field for the second period. While playing into a strong breeze, they dominated the exchanges forcing Buccs onto the back foot for long periods. A converted try for Ballinasloe saw the lead reduced to the minimum, before Buccs landed their second penalty. A storming finish by Ballinasloe was not enough to see them over the line. Despite this setback the U17s have had a fine season playing exciting rugby at times while also qualifying for the league semi-final.
LIAM COURTNEY, CLUB PRO.