Westport RFC lose but all set for Mayo derby in promotion semi-final

Westport RFC might have lost their Connacht Rugby Junior 1B League match against Sligo 2nds. 

However, the Mayo boys returned home with valuable bonus point after their narrow 17-21 defeat in the Yeats County.

The losing bonus point for a defeat of seven points or less means the 'Bulls' are topping the table.

The reward: A home semi-final in the following promotion play-offs in a bid to return to the J1A ranks.

At the weekend, Westport were still short-handed on the important fly-half position. The usual number one choice Stephen Loftus and Harry Sheridan remained not available. 

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Sam Walsh was ready to take over the reins again. Under his tutelage, Westport made a sharp start on the road and were rewarded when Conor Calvey crossed for the opening try following sustained early pressure. Alan Masterson added the conversion to give the visitors a 7–0 lead.

The fly-half's excellent place kicking for territory consistently pinned Sligo back in their own half. His control from hand allowed Westport to manage the game superbly and limit the home side’s attacking opportunities.

Sligo responded strongly, but Westport struck again through prop Brendan McLoughlin, who finished clinically to restore a seven-point cushion. Masterson was again accurate from the tee, pushing Westport into a 14–7 advantage.

Sligo eventually found a way back before the interval, levelling the contest to leave the score 14–14 at half-time.

In the second half Westport edged ahead early in the second period when Masterson calmly converted a penalty, stretching the visitors’ lead to 17–14.

From the 50th minute onwards, Sligo applied sustained pressure, spending long spells inside the Westport '22. What followed was an outstanding defensive effort from Westport, with the entire squad committing to the tackle and breakdown.

After nearly 15 minutes of relentless pressure, Sligo eventually forced their way over for the decisive try, nudging them ahead again 21–17, a lead they managed to protect through the closing stages.

A narrow defeat away from home, but a performance full of resolve and intelligence — and one that underlines why Westport end the J1B league at the summit.

The 'Bulls' face Ballinrobe in the promotion semi-final at home in Carrowholly on February 28.