Sligo made it six wins from six matches when they overcame a previously unbeaten Corrib outfit in a tough Connacht junior league encounter at Hamilton Park on Sunday. The home team need a big second half performance in which they scored three tries to overcome their tenacious visitors.

Corrib won the toss and elected to play with the aid of the strong breeze in the opening half. The opening exchanges were dominated by the visitors as they used their well organised pick and drive game to work their way into the Sligo half. Their scrum was causing difficulties for Sligo and their lineout was functioning effectively.This early dominance was rewarded on 17 minutes with a penalty on the Sligo 10 metre line but the kicked effort drifted wide of the Sligo posts. Sligo responded, and worked their way in to the Corrib half.

Some good work by the pack earned a penalty 15 metres from the left touchline. Paddy Pearson’s well struck kick looked destined to go through the uprights but the ball fell short allowing Corrib to eventually clear the danger. Both sides continued to attempt to break the deadlock before half time but the defences won out and nothing was registered on the scoreboard before the interval.

Sligo upped the tempo in the second half and some fine kicking gained them a territorial advantage. This advantage was rewarded on 50 minutes with a penalty award just outside the Corrib 22. Paddy Pearson bisected the posts to put Sligo 3 points to the good.

The home team continued to press and pinned their opponents back in their own 22.The backrow unit of Simon Coulter, Cathal Culhane and substitute Joe Sweeney were beginning to win the battle at the breakdown. Adrian Mc Hale A lineout take by Peter Mullan was moved infield. Quick rucking saw the ball transferred to Gary Conneely who brilliantly handed off a would be tackler before off loading to Jordan Farrington.

Farrington evaded a number of tackles prior to linking with his forwards. A ruck ensued and the ball was moved wide to the awaiting Andrew Feeney who made no mistake in finishing in the corner. Pearsons well struck conversion attempt drifted narrowly wide.

Corrib’s kick off didn’t travel the required 10 metres which handed the initiative to the locals. Following the resulting scrum a huge Pearson kick forced Corrib back into their own 22. Sligo continued to pile on the pressure and picked up another try when an attempted clearance was blocked by Pearson. The Sligo out half brilliantly latched on to the loose ball and raced to the line for a well deserved score. The extras were added to bring his teams total to 15.

The third and final try was the pick of the bunch. James Wilson secured a lineout on the Sligo 10 metre line. From the ensuing ruck Billy Leahy broke down the blind side before linking with Julian Rippon. Rippon fed the supporting Culhane who drew the cover before offloading to the awaiting Pearson. Pearson changed direction and evaded 2 Corrib tacklers before racing to the corner for the final score of the game.

Sligo; David Geritty, Julian Rippon, Jordan Farrington, Gavin Foley,Andrew Feeney, Paddy Pearson, Billy Leahy,Ross Mannion,Gary Conneely,Adrian McHale,Peter Mullan,James Wilson,Cathal Culhane,Simon Coulter,Trevor Sweeney. Replacements Thomas Gormaley for Conneely, Joe Sweeney for Trevor Sweeney, Ted Mulvaney for Rippon.

Junior b team take spoils

Sligo’s Junior B team continued to impress when they travelled to and defeated Castlebar in their league encounter on Sunday. Tries from Mikey Conlon, Steve Alley and Aaron Loftus coupled with a further 8 points from the boot of Conlon saw the visiting Sligo team triumph on a scoreline of 23 points to 10. Prop forward Brian Keane put in an outstanding display to gain the Man of the Match award.