Westport's under 14's had their first match of the season away to Sligo on Saturday last in Strandhill.  The weather was favourable on the journey there but in Strandhill it was blustery and windy with a promise of showers.

 Westport got to kick off the first half but were pinned back almost on their tryline after just two minutes.  Sustained pressure from Sligo got them over the touchline for their first try and the conversion to add on.  Sligo were up by  7.   A heavy shower of rain would make conditions wet and greasy for both sets of players.  This led to some handling errors, tough tackling and scrums which both teams held their own at overall.  Both teams were evenly matched and doing their best in this first half.

Westport centre, Geoffrey Bourke managed to break the line and made a great breakaway run for Sligo's tryline only to be tackled by a Sligo player close to the line.  Geoffrey got his offload pass to Hugh Molloy who was support in pursuit and although, Hugh was also tackled, determination and drive got him over the line for Westport's first try, on ninteen minutes.  Sean Henry stepped up to kick the conversion but was narrowly denied by a difficult wind. Sligo 7 Westport 5

Some time later Sligo got down the pitch and with sustained pressure got width on the ball to run their second try which was duly converted. Sligo 14 Westport 5

Sligo continued to pressure Westport until Hugh Molloy was pressured over the touchline a relief, for Westport.  It was then half time and this gave an opportunity for Westport to regroup and take shape of how the game was panning out for them.

Second half
The rain had cleared to better conditions and the wind had decreased which would favour Westport. Westport's full back, Sean Henry took advantage on occasion, to drive long clearances down into Sligo territory.  It continued to be a contest between two evenly matched teams where strong tackling kept them at it with occasional handling errors, scrums and lineouts.  Westport lost out on some of these plays as well as carrying into heavy tackling and handling errors counted against them.  Nonetheless, Sean's kicking and chase kept Westport attacking into Sligo territory and then, Geoffrey Bourke got a line break, slipped tackles and showed clean heels to the Sligo defenders, crossing the tryline to ground the ball under the posts.  We were now over half way through the second half.  Game on!  This was a brilliant try by Geoffrey.  A joy to behold.  Sean Henry stepped up and kicked the conversion to bring the scoreline back to Sligo 14 Westport 12

Continued play would see Westport gain a strong foothold in the remaining minutes of the second half but they could not get the ball wide to make a breakthrough or indeed another line break either even though it looked like the Westport boys had another try in them.  Sligo tackled hard and their three or four big units  carried into tackles, slowing play down which gave them an option to spread width into their attack. Towards the close of the game, Sligo worked the ball up to the Westport 22 and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. This would be the last kick of the match and it finished Sligo 17 Westport  12
 
All of the Westport boys gave their best, although a few players had notable performances:-
Cillian Kelly tackled his heart out and was fearless throughout.
Sean Henry, playing his first match at full back excelled in the position.  He kicked to clear his lines with confidence and his good kicking relieved Westport and gained territory to set up attacks on Sligo.  Sean kicked a conversion and narrowly lost another.  A good shift!

Hugh Molloy does what Hugh always does, strong carries, ferocious tackling and was ever present in the rucks and supported Geoffrey to claim the first try.  A leader all through the match for Westport.
Geoffrey Bourke was the main man for Westport. He was everywhere!  He carried ball, tackled like a savage and was an absolute nuisance to the opposing team. He made the first try with his brilliant line break and in the second half, also got through the line to score a memorable try from almost half way.  He played at number 12 on Saturday for the first time and is a born Centre.   A joy to watch.  Brilliant rugby player and the man of the match for Westport - much deserved too!!

Next week, Westport take on Loughrea at Joe Mc Govern park in Carrowholly in the second match of the League. This will be a tough encounter and a strong test for the Westport Boys...Your support will be appreciated and lets hear the Westport Roar to cheer the boys on....