Busy Sunday for the Club, with 5 matches, a “Try It Out” session and blitz matches for some of the minis, and the Stingers were away at a Blitz in Wicklow.
A minutes silence was held at the start of the seniors matches and before the Stingers first game in Memory of Patricia Early, wife of Club Stalwart Mick and grandmother of Stingers player Cormac.
Balbriggan U12 girls travelled to Navan RFC for a morning of matches, and the U6/7s headed to Skerries for their first blitz of the season.
The U181/2 won their cup semis final and now await the final on the bank holiday weekend.
Next up were the ladies who were playing the early pace setters in Div 2, New Ross. It was the Balbriggan girls who came out on top with a bonus point 32 – 18 win. Shannon Campbell playing her first home game with the senior team was very accurate with her boot, converting all but 2 of her conversions and most being out on the sideline. Another making her home debut was second row Kate Murphy who had to leave the game early with a wrist injury – we wish her a speedy recovery. With a growing injury list, Tracey Mcfadden was persuaded out of retirement for this match, and her experience was evident in keeping the pack in order and ensuring they dominated the scrum.
The last match of the day was the IXV league game against Arklow. . After their loss to North Meath the team were left with no option but to win their remaining games to ensure that they qualify for Div 2b. It was evident that the team were aware of this as they stared with a determination to ensure that they didn’t come unstuck again. There was very fluid movement across the backs which had Arklow scrambling to keep up with the pace. The try line was beckoning but Paul O’Connor tried to go himself when James Gibbs would have been in. He did redeem himself by getting over after the ensuing ruck. He then added three points from a penalty which was cancelled out by Arlow. They had been attacking but the Balbriggan defence held firm. While it was all Balbriggan at the early stage, Arklow defended well. Graham O’Reilly was making some good runs, gaining ground and the ball was then let out across the backs but they were just not able to finish. Brian Mollahan changed this when he ran from deep and with some inter-passing got himself over the line. Paul O’Connor converted. His namesake Adam was having no success at the scrum when he was penalized three times in a row when the more experienced observer would think that his elder opposite number was pulling the wool over the refs eyes. Luckily, it did not cost Balbriggan points. Fiacra Tuckey replaced Grambo who had to come off with a shoulder injury and he made his presence felt with the third try before the break.
Jamie Kinninmont got over for a try when he had talked the pack over the final fiver metres, Paul O’Connor added the extras from the sideline. Graham Reynolds finished off the scoring with a lovely try off the back of a scrum down the blindside. O;Connor again added the points from the corner. This was a much better display. The last ten minutes also gave the opportunity to give some of the younger players a run. Final Score was 35 – 3. Their next game is away to Westmanstown Garda next Sunday, 22nd Oct.
To round off the day the Stingers travelled to Wicklow Warriors for their inaugural blitz with Skipper Andy scoring three tries, and another hattrick for Oisin Matthews.
A reminder that senior training (for both men and women) is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all are welcome, regardless of experience.
