Sligo RFC’s U16 girls take on Tuam/Oughterard
SLIGO 7 TUAM/OUGHTERARD 22
THERE was no joy for the Sligo U16 girls in front of a big home crowd last Saturday in Hamilton Park. In their debut season, the Sligo U16 girls came up against the well-established Tuam/Oughterard side, who amalgamated last year, and are currently top of the table in Division 2 of the Connacht U16 Girls league.
The opening 10 minutes proved a shock for the visitors as Bebhinn Hart crossed the line to score the opening try of the game.
Cliodhna O’Sullivan stepped up to convert and coolly slotted the ball between the posts to give the home side a 7point lead.
Tuam/Oughterard quickly settled into the game and had a period of dominance, which resulted in three unanswered tries before the half-time whistle. Sligo’s coaching team of Gabriel Gormley, Michael Cox and Gavin Clinch, rallied their troops at the break and they came out all guns blazing, determined to alter the 7-15 score line.
Sligo had 70% possession in the second half, with Tuam/ Oughterard under pressure with every play, but the home side were unable to break through the experienced defence and a try, against the run of play, rewarded the visitors with the final score of the game.
Although the score line did not truly reflect the game, the Sligo team, playing in their 4th game of the season, can take great solace from the fact that they now lie 3rd in the table and are improving with every game.
Many of Sligo’s players only took up rugby this September and Cria Flanagan, Jasmine Morgan and Grace Molloy were playing their first game for Sligo RFC on Saturday, joined by Teresa Devaney in her second game, with Grace Mulholland returning her first game of the season.
Girls’ rugby has gone from strength to strength in Sligo, with teams now competing from U10 to U18.
The catchment area has also grown and players travel twice a week from as far afield as Manorhamilton, Tubbercurry, Coolaney and Drumcliffe to join players from Carraroe, Cranmore, Sligo town and Strandhill.
A big thank you to Petstop, who sponsor the club jerseys and for their continued support of girls’ rugby in Sligo.
Training continues in the rugby club every Monday and Thursday 6.45 – 8pm, no previous experience is necessary. Contact Michael 086 3202244 for further details. Next game in the fixtures is away to Westport on 1st December.
Creggs prove too strong for Sligo The Sligo Junior team travelled to Creggs last Saturday in Round 7 of the Connacht J1A league.
They were met by a determined home side, who are now only 5 points off league-leaders Connemara.
The sides remained scoreless until the 25th minute, when Creggs crossed the whitewash, but failed to convert their efforts and add the extra 2points.
A second try came only 10minutes later to bring the score to 12-0 at half-time.
Creggs continued with their barrage and the home side added a subsequent 2 tries without reply. A Robbie Ryan intercept try finally got Sligo on the score board, but it was a case of too little, too late, Creggs 24, Sligo 7.
U17s Division 1 & 2 in action away There were mixed fortunes for the U17 teams as they both played away last Sunday.
The Division 1 team travelled to the fortress of Monivea and came away with all the spoils, securing a 15-21 victory against the home side to add another 4 points to their league tally and remain in the top four of the U17 Division 1 league.
Their next home game is on Sunday 2nd December, when they take on second placed Ballinasloe.
Such are the great numbers in the U17 squad, that they are able to enter a second team in the Connacht U17 boys’ leagues.
After their narrow 2 point defeat to league-leaders Westport last weekend, the Sligo U17 Development team travelled to Westport on Sunday, where they were met by a strong home side who won 42-21, to go top of the table.
The U17 Development side travel away to Loughrea next Saturday.
Gulls are Flying High Table-topping Sligo Gulls continue their winning ways with a comprehensive 33-19 win over Ballyshannon RFC in a challenge game last Sunday.
The Sligo 3rds team was only revived this year after a 35year lull and the team continues to go from strength to strength, boasting a panel of 26 players for most games.
The Gulls train every Wednesday at 7pm and welcome players of all experience.
Back to the 80s
It is time to turn back the clock and go back to the rugby club disco. The Back to the 80s Big Christmas Party will take place on Saturday 15th December from 9.30pm ‘til very late, with prizes for the best 80s costume. This event is strictly over 18s and is open to the public, with all profit going to the Sligo RFC Development Fund. Tickets are priced at €15 each and are available from Keane’s Centra Strandhill, Cosgrove’s Centra Maugheraboy and The Record Room.