Archive for the 'Juvenile' Category

Due to the large numbers involved at U-11 in the club, Sligo fielded two teams in the Connacht U-11 blitz played at Monivea on Saturday last. Sligo’s management opted to field sides of similar strength, but the quality available was manifested, as both sides performed very well in their respective groups, with one squad winning four out of five games in their group, while the other squad won three of their five games.

Sligo qualified for the Plate semi-final, and were defeated by Ballina. It was a great experience for all the Sligo boys, which certainly augurs well for the future, and is further testimony to the excellent work being done by the juvenile coaches, and by the triumvirate responsible for organising this section in the club, David Murray, Ronnie O’Hara and John Pender.

The Sligo RFC U-12 squad realised their true potential when they were crowned joint Connacht Champions at the annual Connacht Blitz held at Corinthian Park in Galway on Saturday. Sligo and the highly fancied co-winners Galwegians played out an exciting and tension filled final of the twenty team tournament, in which the two teams created numerous chances, but superb defence from both outfits meant the spoils were shared. Although neither team were able to breach the others defence, the skill levels and commitment shown from both sides was a credit to their respective clubs. Continue reading ‘U-12's Are Connacht Blitz Champions’

On arrival at Galwegians last Saturday, the Under 10 squad was confronted with extraordinarily harsh natural and infrastructural conditions. Nevertheless, a superb performance form the Lions side – the squad was large enough to establish two teams on the day (Lions and Tigers) – ensued that at half time they lead to a well worked try from Mark Keegan. Excessive and illegal use of the hand-off resulted in an early sin binning for a member of the Lions side. Numerically weakened and continuing to pay little or no heed to the referee’s warnings about the ongoing use off hand-offs, Galwegians scored an equalizer.

Eventually, Galwegians strength in numbers materialised when they touched down for a winning score. Poor concentration levels among a number of Lions players contributed to the manner of this generally undeserved two tries to one defeat.

Overall, in what were probably unplayable conditions, this was a superb team performance.
Well done to all of the Lions.

Sligo and Mullingar served up a cracking encounter at Sligo IT last saturday morning. The game was played in three sections of fifteen minutes each to ensure that all players were able to show their skills. Continue reading ‘U-12s draw with strong Mullingar outfit’

Sligo Reds 5 :: Ballina Green 3

Played in perfect rugby conditions Sligo and Ballina served up an intensively physical encounter between two wholly committed teams. Playing with the breeze in the first half Sligo were quickly into their stride and following some great ball carrying by Conan O Donnell and Matthew Cosgrove Sligo crossed the line for the games first score. Ballina quickly reacted and some great running by their speedy backline ensured they were back on level terms before long. Both teams then traded scores before some quick thinking by scrum half Stephen Kearins and great distribution by Niall Connolly put Sligo 3-2 ahead going into the interval. The second half began with Sligo immediately on the attack and their much improved rucking skills, especially by Sean Hurley and Padraig Mitchell,saw them turn over crucial ball in the Ballina half which was quickly converted into a 2 try lead. The sides again traded scores in the final few minutes but the final blast saw Sligo leave the pitch worthy 5 tries to 3 winners. Along with those already mentioned sligo were well served by Arthur Wall, Tristan Probst, Mark Gerrity, Rory Molloy, Alex Selby and Conor Greene.

Photos can be viewed here.

U 11′s turned out in numbers and two teams played games against a strong Longford under 12 squad. Sligo adopted very well to the step up from last year with the application of more rules from the adult game… 5 man scrums, competing line outs, drop kick re-starts etc. Both teams adopted to positions like old pros (Andrew Trimble take note!). The first Sligo team up ran out comfortable winners (8 -1) with some very entertaining rugby. The second team were involved in a closer affair ending 5-3 in Sligo’s favour but against a somewhat strengthened Longford side (some older members of their under 12 squad were drafted in).

All in all a great performance from some of the established Sligo players and from some new players who have joined us this year from other clubs. This 34 strong squad is not short of talent and the season looks very promising!