BALLINASLOE 26 BUCCANEERS 5
A more experienced and smarter Ballinasloe proved too strong for Buccaneers in the final of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Girls U-16 Cup final played in front of a big crowd at The Green, Creggs, where the holders prevailed 26-5.
On a bright but cool evening, Buccs had first benefit of the fresh breeze but did not make any great use of it. They were nervous in that opening period, not helped by a poor pass that was claimed by Esther Olanrewaju who sent Amy Kenny away for an 8th minute try. The westerners added a second try on 20 minutes.
Buccs best spell came just before halftime when at least half a dozen penalties were conceded in quick succession by the holders, without any sight of a yellow card. The Pirates picked and went each time and were eventually rewarded for their endeavours with an unconverted try on the right by Sally Fleming. But Olanrewaju struck back almost instantly, racing away for a try and Aoife Berrigan’s two conversions gave Ballinasloe a strong 19-5 lead at half-time.
Buccaneers played much better against the elements in the second half and enjoyed considerable territory without any reward on the scoreboard. They applied steady pressure at times but Cora Heneghan and Gemma Eivers were both deemed to be held up over the line.
Ballinasloe sealed the trophy with a second half converted try to win 26-5, a margin that did not do justice to the Athlone girls efforts. They had serious pace in their backline, making ground much easier, and their defence was relentless throughout. Buccaneers did not retain possession as well as they needed to and their lineout malfunctioned. But their younger squad will learn and benefit from this setback. Heneghan was the outstanding forward on the pitch with notable support from Eivers while skipper Fleming and Chloe O’Connor battled gamely in the backline.
BUCCANEERS:- O.Collins; O.Turner, K.Mallon, S.Monzon, C.Shortall; S.Fleming (captain), C.O’Connor; K.Sylvester, S.Somers, M.Nyikasani; H.Larkin, C.Larkin; C.Heneghan, E.Sweeney and G.Eivers. Replacements:- N.Mulchrone, A.Moran, F.Dolan, V.Oliyide, E.Nolan and R.Fleming.
BALLINASLOE:- T.Power; A.Kenny, E.Olanrewaju, M.Cooney-Hyland, A.Berrigan; M.Russell, L-M.Farrell (captain); M.Cusack, K.Cooney-Hyland, K.Tully; A.Clarke, E.O’Sullivan; I.Costello, C.Donnelly and I.Costello.
Referee:- Pat Hourigan (Connacht).
