ERGS U14 vs Sligo Grammar
Final score 52-0
As part of the last foray of games for the 2018/19 season the ERGS U14’s welcomed a large squad from Sligo Grammar to Castle Lane in a return fixture from their tight battle last year where the ERGS boys went down 14-10 in a thrilling match.
The game started with ERGS keen to play an open game of rugby on what was a fine afternoon. Taking the kick into fairly strong breeze ERGS didn’t have an ideal start, as the ball didn’t go the required 10m. The resultant scrum showed that the Sligo pack would happily compete at the set piece and they were quick to try to capitalise. With ball in hand Sligo worked hard to break though the early ERGS defence which looked organised and solid. Eventually the pressure caused a Sligo knock on and ERGS for the first time had the ball. From the scrum, Hamill delivered the ball to Love who made a break to smash through the first line of defence and with a lovely off load to his captain Bothwell, further ground was gained, before being stopped in his tracks. At the breakdown, Graham was on hand to execute a perfect clear out allowing super fast ball for Hamill to release the flying Smyton just inside the 22, who danced his way through the Sligo defence for the first score. Love added the points. 7-0.
A nice start with a well executed try.
From the restart, Smyton was soon back in action taking play to half way with another jinking run. The game ebbed and flowed for the next 5 minutes with both teams working hard to break each other down. Pressure was being applied by ERGS at each breakdown and following a kick and chase, Sligo were penalised for holding on. Love took the kick and although he failed to hit touch the receiving Sligo player kicked on just outside his own 22. With both sides showing a solid scrum the ERGS backs called a well rehearsed training ground move and in the next 30 seconds carried this out to perfection, allowing Carrothers the space to do what he does best and score at the far corner. The difficult kick fell short. 12-0
With their tails up, ERGS took the game to Sligo over the next 3-4 minutes running through their phases nicely. With quick ball, Hamill was able to keep his hungry runners fed and to maintain links with Love at 10. However, some basic errors crept in as the boys tried to play their off-loading game and this allowed Sligo several opportunities to draw breath and relieve the pressure. This pattern continued for a while and some frustration was starting to creep in to the home side who felt they were not getting the rewards for their hard work. It was at this point that one of the Sligo players sustained a nasty injury to his wrist following a scrum. This resulted in a nasty fracture and his absence from the game certainly had a knock-on effect for the visitors. After quite a long delay the scrum was reset, the ball skittled out on the Sligo side allowing Hamill to press hard on his opposite number. This resulted in the ball going loose and the ERGS boys were first to pounce with Love getting his foot to the ball to drill it towards the Sligo try line. With the bounce of the ball going their way several ERGS players took up the chase, eventually resulting in Courtney gathering and touching down under the posts. Love added the points. 19-0
The half time whistle went with ERGS in control.
It wasn’t long into the half until Hamill squirmed his way across the whitewash to add to the points tally. This occurred following a storming run by Aiken, who was full of running throughout the game, after he received a short ball from the base of a ruck at halfway. Bursting through several tackles he managed to make his way inside the Sligo 22, setting up a well organised ruck with good support from the rest of the pack. Hamill, spotted the gap as the Sligo defence was in panic mode and with some determination wriggled himself free to bring the score to 26-0.
From then on it was pretty much 1 way traffic as the ERGS lads moved up a gear against a tiring Sligo side. The big runners of Aiken, Monaghan, Smyton and Holmes were taking their toll as was the relentless pressure the ERGS line was showing in defence.
The next score was as a result of some good play by the home side, started by another charge by Aiken, who by now was enjoying the freedom to pump his legs. With good quick ball and support ERGS were soon camped on the Sligo line where attempts by Hamill and Graham to sneak over were thwarted by Sligo. Eventually they conceded a penalty which resulted in Monaghan getting over the line to take a well deserved score. Love added the points. 33-0
From the restart the ball was collected beautifully by John Deere fan, Kerr, who like his favourite tractor showed power and style with a great break to immediately bring play deep inside the Sligo half. With Hamill feeding Aiken from the ruck, further territory was gained before Smyton, once again popped up in support to sidestep his way over for another well taken try. Love converted. 40-0.
With the minutes now ticking down, ERGS found themselves within the Sligo 22 following a kick awarded after a Sligo infringement for offside. Love secured the field position and with the lineout taken well by Holmes, the ERGS pack settled down into there driving maul. They have worked hard on this in training and it was with some delight that the pack managed to drive the Sligo team the last 15m in a very controlled manner for Aiken to record a very well deserved score. Super job by the 8 guys upfront, a lovely try. 45-0
The final score came in the last play of the game. Setting up from the restart, ERGS quickly recycled the ball eager to get a final score. Through 3 phases of effective rucking with Aiken again at the fore the ball was fed to Love. Spotting the space he accelerated and stepped beautifully to win the race to the line. He also added the 2 extras. This left the final score 52-0.
A good solid performance by the entire ERGS squad who managed to execute some of the work that has been going on the background as we approach the last 3 games of the season against unknown opposition.
