With Sligo U14s the solitary Sligo side in action this weekend all eyes were on Hamilton Park as the U14s attempted to consolidate their strong league position against a useful Westport side. Sligo started slowly and were soon under pressure but the strong Sligo defence ensured that no early tries were conceded. Westport’s early attacks stung Sligo into action as they looked to open the scoring. James O’Hehir put a kick through behind the Wesport defence which was chased on by Patrick McGloin. McGloin’s pressure forced a Wesport handling error and taking full advantage he made a smooth pick up and ran in under the posts for a try. Conor Keirns added the extras to hand Sligo a 7-0 lead. However Wesport’s response was stunning, and within seconds of the restart Sligo were under their own posts as Westport scored a superb breakaway try which was expertly converted to level the scores at 7-7. An injury crisis then hit Sligo as knocks forced both centres Mark Leydon and Patrick McGloin out of the game to make Sligo’s task even harder. Sligo began the second half the stronger with their pack on top, impressing with their tough pick and drive gameplan. The pressure mounted on the Westport defence and eventually Sligo made the breakthrough with a good score from flanker Leigh Dunne. The conversion was unfortunately narrowly missed. Sligo looked to put the game to bed but some poor tactical-kicking and error-strewn handling allowed Wesport back into the game. From deep inside their own half, the Westport full-back made a superb break, and ran on to score a wonderful breakaway try. The conversion was crucial and a superb kick put them two points ahead with only minutes remaining. Sligo tried desperately to produce a game winning score in the last few minutes but some excellent Westport defence held firm and ensured a narrow away victory. Sligo have two more games left in the league before the semi finals take place, and these games are now crucial.
Sligo; E. Kilroy-Talbot, D. Burke, P. McGloin, M. Leydon, E. Weaver, C. Keirns, C. Mulligan; F. Zwada, K. Filan, M. Davey, J. McGovern, N. O’Rourke, L. Dunne, A. Nairn, J. O’Hehir Subs; A. Donnellan, G. Knecht, J. Selby, D. McGrath, A. Mulligan, S. Gilligan, S. Martyn