Balbriggan 31 Ratoath 7
Balbriggan continued their good run with a home win against Ratoath. Balbriggan started the stronger and had the better in the up front encounters where the forwards were delivering good ball for the backs. Balbriggan were looking to develop their running game which resulted in centre J Mullen getting in for the first try and full back Danny McGrogan getting in the corner soon after for the second. The third try came when out-half Casey dummied the ball and instead of letting it out wide took it on himself to score under the posts. After this early onslaught Ratoath steadied the ship and started to be competitive themselves pushing Balbriggan back but the Balbriggan defence held strong. As the half neared the end it was skipper Malone who finished off a forward move and got in under the posts.
When it looked as if Balbriggan would push on it was Ratoath who were the more dominant force in the second half and a good break by their centre saw him run through the defence to score under the posts. Balbriggan put together a number of attacks. Skipper Malone made a good break and the line looked to be at Balbriggan’s mercy when he popped the ball up to flanker McFadden, who must have been still suffering the effects of a major birthday on Friday night, when he unexpectedly fumbled the ball over the line.
Malone made another break and a clever grubber kick looked as if he would make the line but Ratoath just cleared to touch. From the line out Balbriggan put the ball straight across the line and substitute Stu Mullen scored in the corner.
Another bonus point win but second place Wexford had a similar margin win against Midland warriors setting up an intriguing encounter next Saturday in Wexford at 5pm.
