Sligo under-20 gaelic footballers drew 0-9 to 0-9 with Roscommon in the holders opening match of this year’s Connacht under-20 championship at Markievicz Park on Wednesday evening.
The Yeats County, who are aiming to win their third consecutive provincial title at this grade, led by 0-9 to 0-8 deep in added time – but a converted free from Bobby Nugent with the last kick of the match, salvaged a draw for the visitors.
Sligo had led by 0-6 to 0-2, largely thanks to some excellent points from Eli Rooney and wing-back Rossa Sloyan.
However, the side’s opening performance in this year’s championship was littered with errors.
Roscommon came out for the second-half and took over in the third quarter, scoring six unaswered points.
Sligo found something of a second wind as the match entered the closing stages with Rooney and Luke Marren scoring important points to bring the sides level.
Ronan Niland then fired over a fine point following good Sligo approach play – and that score looked like it might be the winner, until St Brigid’s clubman Nugent popped up at the other end to salvage a second draw for Roscommon in this year’s Connacht U20 championship.
In Wednesday’s other U20 game, Mayo came from two points down at half-time to beat Galway in Castlebar, on a final scoreline of 0-16 to 2-6
Wednesday’s Connacht U20 results
Sligo (holders) 0-9 Roscommon 0-9
Mayo 0-16 Galway 2-6
Up next – Wednesday, April 3rd
Galway v Sligo – Tuam, 6:15pm
Leitrim v Mayo – Ballinamore, 6:15pm
The standings- after Rd 2
| TEAM | GAMES | WIN | DRAW | LOSS | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayo | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Galway | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Roscommon | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Sligo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Leitrim | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Championship Format
At the end of the round-robin stage, table toppers will qualify directly for Connacht final.
2nd & 3rd placed teams will contest a single semi-final.
