Balbriggan were unlucky to lose out to Naas in the semi-final of the Seconds Towns Cup on Sunday. Final score 16 v 19. The Balbriggan team put in a great performance, against a very strong Naas side.
Balbriggan had the benefit of the wind in the first half, but even so went in at half-time 9 v 13 down, through three penalties kicked by Geordie Boyce. They then faced the daunting task of a strong wind against a strong Naas who were now in the lead. Though Naas dominated for much of the first 20 minutes of the second half, they failed to add to their tally and it was Balbriggan who came closest to scoring a try. With just about 8 minutes to go, Naas added to their lead with a penalty. 16 v 9. Balbriggan had a mountain to climb. The lads showed true character, led as ever by Ciaran Malone to fight their way back. They were denied a try with 5 minutes to go as there was no clear grounding of the ball to the referee. Balbriggan came again, and after a number of surges through their forwards, they scored a try through Dave Healy. This was converted by Andrew Miller, bringing the scores level, 16 v 16. However, soon after the restart, Naas were awarded a penalty which they converted, 16 v 19. Balbriggan were allowed to restart but this was the last play, and unfortunately time was up on their Cup ambitions. A great effort all round by the Balbriggan team, who just came up short. They still have the Jenkinson Cup final to look forward to later this month.
WEEKLY NOTES