Falcons fall to narrow defeat

The Falcons made the trip to Balbriggan to take on the home team who have been in good form in recent weeks. The game was played in very difficult windy conditions and the Falcons settled the better of the two team making good progress into Balbriggan territory. Quick ball thru the hands and good heads up rugby allowed the Falcons to get the ball out to the wings to cross for two tries so the visitors went in at half time 10-0 up.

Now playing against the wind the Falcons started well in the second half and got a penalty near the Balbriggan try line for a high tackle which resulted in a card for the Balbriggan player. In a move from the training pitch the Falcons crashed over the line but a double movement meant it was discounted and turned over. With the benefit of a building wind Balbriggan started coming into the game with some clever kicking making considerable inroads into the Falcons half. Coupled with the kicking they had a very strong chase which saw them gain a penalty and then from play get over the line for their first try which was converted. The second try came not long after when nearly under the post they crashed across the line again. They missed the conversion on this occasion so PortDara now trailed by 2 points with a 12-10 scoreline.

Another yellow card for Balbriggan for indiscipline but the injuries were building for the visitors and with a diminished panel the going was tough. Many of the PortDara ladies were now playing in positions new to them and in the confusion they unlucky to concede another converted try to fall further behind. The Falcons re-gathered themselves and battled back for a third try of their own which went unconverted try to take the score to 19-15 which is where it ended.

Hard conditions for play but nothing but pure determination saw PortDara come away with a losing bonus point. PortDara retain their second place in the table with Balbriggan falling just one point behind. The Falcons now have a big break until January 12th when they will take on the table topping Barnhall.