Under 13s crash to Ballinasloe

This was an unexpected fixture in an already hectic schedule with Ballinasloe providing a great test for Mullingar. However we came up well short with Ballinasloe coming out worthy winners at 47-19.We tend to be slow starters and gave away two early tries in the first five minutes through the usual bad tackling. We came into the game a bit better having settled down but Ballinasloe were strong in the forwards and stole a lot of our ball from rucks that they had no right to win. We did not protect the ball well enough and this showed in giving several easy tries away.This is very frustrating for the team as the scoreline at half time of 28-0 was not a good reflection of what was happening on the pitch. Despite heroic performances from Joe Hyland and Jack O'Leary, ably assisted by Peadar Scally and Fionn Daly the Ballinasloe forwads dominated and this had a telling effect. Well done to Eoin Ashe and Patrick Phipps who played well and Cashel Slevin is showing that he has been listening at training and getting stuck in. Paul Rock also was determined in his play although needs to get down lower in the rucks. With the tries coming quickly for Ballinasloe our heads went down and this did not help.In the backs Ronan O'Toole made a start as scrum half and played very well, David Collier played out-half and got the line going. Gaps allowed the quick Ballinasloe backs breach our lines and we struggled. Super performances from Thomas O'Rourke and Billy Flynn in the backs and several good runs from Alex Butler showed ability and strength. James Cox was quick when he got the ball and made some important tackles. Jack Kennedy was solid in his running but was caught out of position on occasion as he played more as a wing than a full back.Our secod half was much better as it had been the previous week and we seemed to just get stuck in a bit better, retained our own ball and gave ourselves a chance and lo and behold we started scoring tries, three decent tries two of which were converted Well done Peadar and Joe. We had substitutions in the second half with Max Brennan coming in at scrum half and he did well and got the ball out of the ruck quickly. Ronan O'Toole moved out into uut half to see whether he could play in the role and he did step up to the mark and showed he has potential to take this position as he is quick and strong, can pass well and can kick with both feet.Michael Clinton came on and played well in second row and Darragh Gray for his first ever match did great and also has the potential to be a contender. In the backs Cian Kennedy came on into the wing position and played well. He is a great tackler and gets his man every time. Brendan King in the centre did fine and Hugh Duffy in his first match played at full back. A few extra substitutions helped out when a few knocks put us under pressure but we have a big squad and there were plenty of volunteers. It is interesting to note the the score for the second half was 19-19Team: P. Phipps, J. O'Leary, P. Rock, E. Ashe, C. Slevin, P. Scally, J. Hyland, F. Daly, R. O'Toole, D. Collier, J. Cox, A. Butler, T. O'Rourke, B. Flynn, J. Kennedy, Subs:D. Gray, M. Clinton, M. Brennan, C. Kennedy, B. King, H. Duffy.Well done to all. Next week sees Moate to come to play in Mullingar. It was great to see quite a few parents out to support despite the inclement weather. Thanks.The lads do love to see their folks on the sideline and indeed even put in that extra effort. So keep it up.