Back-to-Back Wins for Loughrea U14 Girls
Loughrea U14 Girls made it two wins on the bounce with an impressive home victory over Ballina on a busy Saturday afternoon in Ballygasty. Kick-off was at 14.00, and the girls rose to the occasion in front of a strong home presence.
Although the final score read Loughrea 57 (9) – 12 (2) Ballina, the visitors delivered a spirited and physical performance, refusing to give Loughrea an easy inch. Ballina battled bravely throughout, but a depleted squad of just 11 players began to tell as the game wore on.
Loughrea were expertly organised by outhalf Emma Concannon, with the backs making excellent use of the space available, stretching the Ballina defence with pace and precision. Tries came from Aoibhinn Starr, Eve Hughes (2), captain Hannah Keane, Bianca Musharu (2), Elise O’Slatarra, Emma Concannon and Eve Daniels, with Concannon also adding an impressive six conversions.
This was another outstanding team effort, with every player putting in a huge shift and showing real spirit, togetherness and work rate right to the final whistle. Plenty of positives to take into the final league game, and a thoroughly deserved win on a great day for the girls and the club.
Battling Display from Loughrea U18 Girls in Title Decider
Loughrea U18 Girls hosted Ballina in a much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash, played out on a soft surface in Loughrea that made for a tense and physical contest from the outset. Both sides probed for early openings, with Ballina striking first to get their scoreboard moving.
Ballina added two further tries before Loughrea responded, showing patience and control through multiple phases before breaking through for a well-worked try, converted by Amy Moran to leave the score at 7–15. Ballina crossed again, but Loughrea refused to yield and hit back before the break, sending the teams in at half-time with the match still finely balanced at 12–22.
The visitors kicked on in the second half, with their backs showing excellent pace and handling to add three more tries. To their credit, the Loughrea girls fought bravely throughout and never took a backward step. Their persistence was rewarded when Rhea Sestak powered over for her second try of the game.
The match finished 17–39 to Ballina, a deserved win for a strong visiting side, who were presented with the league trophy by ARCB President Tom Horkan after the final whistle. Despite the result, there was plenty of heart and determination shown by the Loughrea girls in a high-quality contest.
Ballygasty, Loughrea, Co. Galway H62AP03
