Sligo U-14s were the only Sligo youth side in action this weekend and they returned to the top of the U-14 Connacht league, narrowly maintaining their unbeaten league record, with a 15-14 victory over a spirited Carrick side in Carrick-on-Shannon. With over 12 of their strong panel missing, Sligo travelled with a depleted squad and were forced to call up some of their talented U13 squad with Chips Molloy, Oisin Kilgallen, and Mark Gerrity all being called into the squad. A tough game was expected against a Carrick side that is much improved this season with their strong running side already boasting a league victory over Ballina. Tight it proved with only a solitary point between the sides at the final whistle. Aaron Donnellan, Matt Davey and Chips Molloy starred in the tight providing a platform for the rest of the team to build upon. In the second-row Jamie McGovern and Niall O’Rourke continued to show improvement, with their pick and drive game outstanding. The back row of Leigh Dunne, David McGrath and James O’Hehir were prominent,with some powerful breaks through the Carrick defence. The half-back partnership of Eddie Weaver and Conor Keirns worked well together with Keirns providing a conversion and a penalty. Centres Mark Geritty and Darragh Burke showed flair in attack while working hard in defence. The back three of Jack Selby, Oisin Kilgallon and Steven Martin performed well, showing great determination in defence. It was Selby who provided the game’s crucial moment when a Carrick player broke through the Sligo defence late on and looked to have the line at his mercy until he was stopped short by a huge hit from the determined Selby saving a certain score. Sligo will be happy with their victory, but improvement will be needed against stronger opposition in the coming weeks.

Sligo: J. Selby, S. Martin, D. Burke, M. Gerrity, O. Kilgallen, C. Keirns, E. Weaver; R. Molloy, A. Donnellan, M. Davey, J. McGovern, N. O’Rourke, D. McGrath, L. Dunne, J. O’Hehir; Subs. S. Gilligan.