Carrick-on-Shannon’s Under 15 Boys travelled to Strandhill on Saturday to play their final Division 1A League match of their 25/26 Season against Sligo RFC. A win for Carrick would see them go alone at the top of the Division 1A League Table.
The match kicked off in perfect weather conditions with an off shore breeze behind Carrick in the first half. Carrick was clinical from the start with strong forward carries followed by quick ball distribution amongst their backs. An early opportunity to score was lost with a forward drifting pass to the wing, but Sligo struggled to get out of their half with a strong defensive effort by Carrick. The pressure on Sligo soon yielded possession to Carrick who scored their first try after a number of phases to take an early lead of 0-5.
Carrick’s quick ruck speed helped Carrick’s strong forward ball carriers break defensive lines giving Carrick’s backs ample opportunities to attack in space and with crisp passes to the wing, Carrick scored their second try (converted) to further their lead to 0-12.
Efforts by Sligo to play in Carrick’s half were undone by Carrick kicking long downfield which were followed up well by Carrick to pin Sligo well within their own half.
Despite Sligo getting better at slowing down the rucks or being rewarded with penalties from quick support on tackles to jackle, Carrick’s structure on both defense and attack yielded two further tries (converted) to take a half time lead of 0-26.
A strong offensive by Sligo’s forwards early in the second half was defended well by Carrick, but the grit and determination by Sligo’s forwards were rewarded with a well-deserved try early in the second half to reduce Carrick’s lead to 5-26.
Carrick had to work harder to gain territory against the wind and against a team that showed determination to not allow Carrick to run away with them. A few moments of brilliant individual plays by Carrick’s backline did not get the rub of the green to convert them into further points, but after a period of sustained pressure by Carrick was rewarded with a converted try to further their lead and make the final score 5-33.
In a match played in good spirit by both teams, a brilliant team performance by Carrick against an accomplished team saw Carrick end on their own at the No. 1 position of the Connacht U15 Division 1A League Table.
Both teams will now look ahead at their preparations for their Quarter Final of the Connacht Cup in a week’s time and Carrick will be relishing their opportunity to attempt to win the Connacht Cup for a third season in a row.
