Letterkenny RFC pipped at the post in U18 League final in Ballymoney

Letterkenny RFC went down by the bare minimum against Ballymoney in Saturday's U18 League final.

Letterkenny RFC 19-20 Ballymoney 

The side from Dave Gallaher Memorial Park set off with a huge entourage There was a quiet confidence in the squad having beaten Ballymoney in two previous outings this season so we definitely felt like we were ready to finish the league off with some silverware.

The game started very well for Letterkenny bringing their game to Ballymoney at their pace, executing well from the kick-off.
The swirling wind seemed no concern as a fast ball from the breakdown saw Ewan Douglas attack from full back and break beyond the gain line to go over for the first try of the game in the 10th minute. It was duly converted by David Henry to put seven points on the scoreboard for the Letterkenny men.

The game went over and back for a further 20 minutes with Ballymoney stealing possession at the rucks on more than one occasion and from a solid attack from Ballymoney David Henry intercepted ad the half way to run in for the second try between the posts in the 22 minute of the game which he converted again to make it 14-0.

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In the second half it was a huge battle with the score not changing for 15 minutes or so. Then with some poor defence, Ballymoney got a sniff and finally after holding them out on the line they finally got over for their third try to take the score to 17-14.

However Letterkenny never gave up and through some incredible pressure on the Ballymoney/Ulster scrumhalf by Letterkenny's Cian Arenhold, they started to get some go forward ball. Arenhold spotted a gap at 10 and broke through the gain line to put his side just inside their half for only the second time in the second half.

David Henry stepped in to take control and ran over half the pitch to score in the corner in the 64th minute giving Letterkenny the lead again 17-19.

With five to play Letterkenny were confident they could hold out long enough to take the title but Ballymoney were like stampeding buffalo keeping the ball tight within their pack slowly gaining one metre at time.

Letterkenny managed to secure the ball inside their 22 but Letterkenny found themselves isolated in the attack and were penalised for not releasing. The resulting penalty slotted between the uprights by Ballymoney to end the game heartbreakingly 20-19 to Ballymoney.

There was some really solid play from Cathair McCrory, Finn Duffy, David Henry, Cuan Brophy and Cian Arenhold. It just wasn't Letterkenny's day but should not take away from an incredible season so far. 

Letterkenny RFC wish to thank everyone from the coaches to all the parents and boys for the amazing support as well as Churchill Cabs and Mangan Tours for getting them there and back in good form.