The annual St.Stephens Day game between a Sligo Town XV and a Sligo Country XV ended in a thrilling draw this year with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle. The Town went into the game as red-hot favourites as they looked to make it three victories in a row and retain the trophy. On paper they appeared to boast a far superior team, with a razor-sharp backline boasting four AIL stars, two sets of brothers in the Butlers and the Gillespies, and Sligo senior fullback David Gerrity. However the country had welcomed back Karl Gilligan from AIL duty with DLSP to add some guile to a physical side which featured an amazing twelve players from that Sligo rugby stronghold, Skreen/Dromard. The game was an entertaining affair with both sides playing some great attacking rugby with some great skills on display. The Town began the brighter with Mark Butler orchestrating events at out-half as he looked to release his dangerous backline at every opportunity. It was the Town who struck first with an early converted try as they tried to overwhelm the Country side. However the Country were not be as easily brushed aside as other years and led by captain James Wilson they struck back before half-time with a well-taken score to leave the score at the break 7-5.

After half-time the Country side picked up their game and their physical pack started to impose themselves on the match. However despite some great pressure they couldn’t find a score, and it was the experienced Town side who went further in front with a try midway through the half to extend their lead to 12-5. This was a determined Country side though and again they took it to the Town upfront with some great forward play and with centres Andrew Feeney and Karl Gilligan both making incisive breaks they camped deep in Town territory seeking the score to drag themselves back into contention. With only minutes remaining the Country were rewarded for their hard work with a great try, and Gilligan added an excellent conversion to level it up at 12-12. This appeared to sting the stunned Town outfit back into action, and with seconds remaining they appeared to have a chance to secure victory but Mark Butler’s drop goal attempt missed by the narrowest of margins to leave the game deadlocked at 12-12. This was a fitting end to a fascinating encounter, and after the games captains Ross Mannion and James Wilson were presented with the trophy which will be shared by both teams. Sligo RFC would like to thank everyone who attended on the day, as well as all the players who turned out, and continued the tradition of this superb contest.