Strong Sligo see off Castlebar
HE recently made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U18s and now keeper Edward McGinty is being joined by three other Rovers underage players getting their international nod.
McGinty recently received his first cap playing for the Irish under- 18 team against Germany in Spain.
Four more players from Sligo Rovers underage sides have received call- ups recently to Ireland representative squads.
Both Paul Doyle, who made his first team debut in the final game of the 2016 season against Wexford Youths at The Showgrounds, and Edward McGinty were in the Ireland under- 19 squad for a friendly game yesterday.
They played an ETB selection at Abbotstown.
Part of the squad is forward Martin Walsh who has been with Rovers under- 19 team for the past few seasons.
Walsh hails from Swinford, Co. Mayo.
Another player, John Mahon, who appeared with both the under- 19 and under- 17 Rovers teams during the 2016 season is in the Irish schools squad that will play a friendly against Bray Wanderers on tomorrow.
It’s a positive thing for the club’s underage teams to see four players get selected to represent their country and should give younger players coming through more determination to follow suit. CASTLEBAR SLIGO 5 47 WELL done to SLIGO RFC U16s who had a victorious win yesterday after travelling to their opponents in Castlebar.
The conditions were less severe than in the last few days as the temperatures rose into double figures, leaving the pitch in reasonable playing conditions.
Leading the team onto the pitch was captain Michael Mullaney.
The day was dull but the Sligo team lit up with their first try of the day scored by Sligo’s flanker Donnacha Byrne, minutes after the start whistle was blown.
Alex Devanney converted the try from the side of the pitch with an easy stride but with strength.
Sligo were seven points up and that was enough for the team to hold their heads up and waken to the fact that winning was possible.
Sligo won a throw in from the line out, caught by Ciaran Cummins, as he descended from the air he made a run for it towards the try line only to be pushed into touch.
The game played on as Sligo proved to be more alert, winning the scrummage and driving the team towards the Sligo try line.
Darragh McElhinney Sligo’s number 9 put the ball into the scrum, true Murray style, Donnacha Byrne, Sligo’s flanker saw an opportunity, grabbed the ball, catching Castlebar unaware sliding over the try line to score his second try of the day. Converted by Alex Devaney.
But Castlebar were not giving up and within minutes of kicking off again Castlebar’s no 10 saw a gap in the defence and made a break for the try line denying Sligo players a tackle and went to the left of the post to score a try. This was not converted. Thirty minutes into the game Donnacha Byrne successfully widened the gap, earned his third try, converted by Alex Devaney leading the Sligo team into a strong leading score at half time of 21- 5.
One minute into the second half Jamie Carroll, Sligo’s number 8 broke through the Castlebar defence, although held back by twoCastlebar players he managed to drive up to the try line and with one hand placed the ball over the line left of the post.
The angle for the conversion seemed impossible to concede but with one suburb kick from Alex Devaney the ball sailed over the bar making the score for Sligo 28- 5.
Ten minutes later Luke Hogge Sligo’s number 12 following Castlebar offside, lobbied the ball up the pitch. Castlebar ran on his heels but Luke proved too fast kicking the ball once more and threw himself into a try.
Alex Devaney missed the conversion as the ball hit the post narrowly missing. Score now 33- 5.
Sligo made two substitutions: Killian Burns number 17 for Ciaran Cummins number 4 and Jack Curran number 16 for Matthew Harte number 6.
Then came another opportunity for the now confident Sligo team when Darragh McElhinny, passed the ball to Donnacha Byrne, who in turn passed to Jamie Carroll, with true rugby style and pushed the ball over the try line with ease.
This was converted by Alex Delaney. Five minutes before the end the ball was kicked up the pitch by Luke Hogge followed by a sprinting Jack Courtney, proving too fast for their opponents leaving them behind as the final try of the match was scored, again converted by Alex Delaney.
The Sligo proved themselves today of being a team of togetherness built on determination and perseverance.
Next match December 3rd where Sligo take on Ballinasloe at Hamilton Park.
Final Score Castlebar 5 Sligo 47.
Team: Tom Moyles, Dylan Marten, Gustav, Ciaran Cummins, Eon Dowd, Matthew Harter, Donnacha Byrne( 3) Jamie Carroll ( 2) Darragh McElhinney, Michael Mullaney ( C), Oisin Brennan, Luke Hogge ( 2), Darragh Feelihy, Jack Courtenay, Alex Devenney ( 6 converted), Subs Jack Curran, Killian Burns.
Team Management: Mickey O’ Hehir, John Davey and John Courtenay.