Winning start for Grammar
SLIGO GRAMMAR MARIST COLLEGE 8 6 SLIGO Grammar School got their Top Oil Senior Cup campaign off to a positive start when they narrowly defeated Marist College at home in the opening tie. Conditions were slippery last Thursday with the county experiencing sleet and snow showers, yet the referee deemed the pitch playable and the game went ahead.
It was a close affair right up to the very end between the two sides, with all the scores coming in the first half.
The visitors got on the scoreboard early first before Sligo Grammar’s outhalf Niall Gray drew it level at 3- 3. Shortly after and the Athlone team were back in front, following a penalty to lead by three. With ten minutes to go until the break, Sligo Grammar’s Graham Kerr touched down for a try, which would prove to be the definitive score of the match.
It was level pegging in the second half in an icy Sligo Grammar yet both sides were unable to increase their scores and it was the hosts who came away with a two- point win.
Afterward, Sligo Grammar coach James Gavin, said he was pleased with his team’s performance.
“We’re happy with the win, it’s great to get off to a winning start. When you are trying to have a home semi- final, it is vital that you win the first game, so that’s good for us.”
The coach said although the temperatures were low, players battled on.
“Conditions were tricky enough, upfront it was very slippery, the ground understandably was slippy. There was some snow in parts but it definitely wasn’t dangerous and the referee was happy to go ahead.
“They ( Marist) are a good, strong side. They are probably second or third favourites in the competition, with the Jes Galway likely favourites.
“It’s good to get off to a winning start and our next game now is away on Wednesday to The Bish, Galway.”
In the other fixture, Summehill College were victorious in their first outing of the campaign too. The Sligo side were comprehensive winners over The Bish by 11 points to three. They next travel to Athlone to take on Marist College.