Ballyshannon lose out to Strabane in close contest at Lakeside

In their second home game of the season Ballyshannon came up just short against an experienced Strabane side at the Lakeside on Saturday.

The game was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of the fathers of two Ballyshannon players, Philip Cleal and Patrick McGowan, who were buried during the week.

Ballyshannon’s cause was not helped when they lost their captain Darren Gillespie to a head injury midway through the first half.

In what was a really open and fast game with both sides intent on running the ball it was Ballyshannon who made the first breakthrough on 13 minutes. A quick tap penalty saw a kick ahead and Tommy Clyne went full length to touch down and avoid having a foot in touch.

Danny Breen was just narrowly wide with the conversion.

Danny Breen converting one of the Ballyshannon tries Picture: Ger Foy Photos

Strabane got back on terms on 26 minutes when their full-back, Ross Brown dangerous throughout, outstripped the ‘Shannon defence to touch down in the corner.

The conversion was also missed but Strabane did force a penalty just before half-time with David Riddles converting for an 8-5 half-time lead.

The home side had a good start to the second half and after a sustained period of pressure Aaron Love got over to take his side back in front. Danny Breen converted for a 12-8 lead.

However, in the final quarter the physically strong Strabane side began to exert a lot of pressure with Ballyshannon forced to make a lot of tackles.

The pressure paid off with Aidan Woods getting in for another try and a one point lead.

It was all to play for and Strabane got their third try to decide the match with nine minutes to go, full-back Ross Brown again the try scorer.

Jamie Moore in action for Ballyshannon Picture Ger Foy Photos

Ballyshannon again had great performances from their backs with replacement Jamie Moore particularly outstanding. Paul Dooley was  a very willing worker at breakdown. 

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Overall, it was a very exciting contest with a healthy crowd in attendance. Ballyshannon will travel to play Monaghan in their next game in two weeks’ time.

Ballyshannon: Paul Dooley, Danny Breen, Mark Gettins, Rory McGloin, Aidan Murray, Daniel McGullion, Shane Duffy, Darren Gillespie, Paul Kerrigan, Cian Barden, Daire McDevitt, Mark O'Shea, Conal Bradshaw, Tommy Clyne, Callum Doherty Craig.

Replacements: Adrian Tivnan, James O'Reilly, Aaron Love, Patrick McGowan, Bari Kane, Chris Fenton, Adam Clarke, Jamie Moore, Conan McIntyre.

Strabane: Adam Quinn, Shane McLaughlin, Covey McSorley, Sam Andrews, Simon McSparron, Andy Keys, Samuel Brown, Matthew Kennedy, Oran O'Neill, David Riddles, Rossa McSorley, Adam Woods, Colin Campbell, Mark Houston, Ross Brown.

Replacements: Craig Doherty, Dan Smyth.

Referee: Niall Patterson (Cavan)

Mark O'Shea in full flight for Ballyshannon Picture Ger Foy Photos