Balbriggan relinquished the Beechy Cup in a narrow defeat to Boyne in the final, the final score being 12-7.
With a number of teams dropping out late, the day was left to four teams, Athboy, Boyne, Balbriggan and Swords. Each team played the other, with both Boyne and Balbriggan being too strong for Swords and Athboy. It was a useful run out for the Balbriggan side and despite losing the final, they looked the most disciplined of the sides and the efforts of pre-season were there to be seen. In the first two games the backs showed some good running skills and quick breaks that augur well for a tough league ahead. Gerry Ahern showed some great finishing skills on the wing. A summer playing rugby league showed up in Ciaran O’Donoghue’s huge tackle count. Callum Breeds was looking good and one breath absorbing run saw him score under the posts. Great to see Conor Caldwell enjoying himself with a few barnstorming runs. Jack Scannell was on form with the boot adding conversions and also made some good runs with ball in hand.
Balbriggan played all their games on the one pitch into the wind which in the final probably played more against them. In the final Boyne came at Balbriggan from the start with waves of attack and their large tight head was making serious ground before he was downed. The pressure finally told and Boyne scored but missed an easy conversion. Balbriggan then got in their stride and took the game to Boyne, and levelled matters with Jack Scannell adding the extras with the most unusual conversion. Unfortunately, there was no video replay to confirm what had happened but it appeared that the ball bounced in front of the posts and then went over the bar… all that matters is that the touch judge flags went up and the two points were given. Balbriggan continued to have the better of the play but one slip and using the wind Boyne got into the Balbriggan 22, while Balbriggan got the ball back the ball carrier got isolated and from the ensuing penalty, Boyne got within 5 metres. Despite valiant defending Boyne eventually got over. While Balbriggan tried the clock, in a 25 minute game time was against them and Boyne hung on to win 12 -7. The overall Balbriggan player of the competition was James Gibbs, he scored a number of tries, tackled everything and was at the heart of all the moves.
