Impressive performance from Development side
SLIGO GALWEGIANS 16 3
SLIGO and Galwegians took to the field in Hamilton Park in truly dreadful conditions. A strong wind and driving rain, coupled with lower temperatures made handling conditions difficult. Galwegians played with the wind in the opening half but it was Sligo who kept the ball in hand, winning a penalty after 7minutes. Outhalf Niall Gray coolly slotted the ball over for the opening score of the game. Galwegians got the opportunity to equalise 10 minutes later.
Having the wind behind the ball, the visiting outhalf landed an impressive penalty kick just short of the half-way line. The hardy supporters who had braved the weather had only 8 minutes to wait until Jake Sexton crossed the line after a well-worked move. Gray duly converted to bring the score to 10-3. Galwegians proved hard to break down and neither side were able to add to their tally before the half time whistle. The second half was fast and furious, with end to end rugby. Both teams going through the phases, but it was the home team that retained the most possession and capitalised on the opposition’s infringements. The golden boot of Gray added a further two penalties in the 47th and 59th minutes. Galwegians finished the game strongly but Sligo’s defence held fast and the visitors failed to add to their first half score.
The final whistle was welcomed by players and supporters alike, as all were keen to get out of the bitter wind. Sligo’s all-round team performance has ensured their progression in the Connacht Heineken Junior Cup and they will meet Ballinrobe RFC in the quarter-final.
SLIGO DEVELOPMENT SQUAD: Craig Adams, Ross O’Boyle, James Mc Guinness, David Cawley, David Heath, Ross Hickey, Mattie Davey, Jake Sexton, Gary O’Hehir, Niall Gray, Charlie Cooper, Sean Mullin, Gavin Foley, Stuart O’Brien, James Gavin, Aaron Tansey, Liam McElhinney, Michael McMorrow, Christian Neilsen and Matthew Kavanagh.