Carrick RFC storm into J1C Cup final
OPEN ROAD: Daniel Bosquette scored a hat-trick of tries for Carrick RFC during their Connacht J1C semi-final success last weekend. Picture: Mark Kelly
Carrick RFC secured their place in the Connacht J1C Cup final with an emphatic victory over Claremorris Colts at home last weekend.
In ideal conditions for rugby, Carrick, featuring a number of players from County Roscommon, delivered a masterclass of attacking rugby, leaving Claremorris unable to match their pace and precision.
The home side set the tone early, with Daniel Bosquette crossing for the opening try (unconverted). Carrick maintained relentless pressure and Patrick Charles used his searing pace to slice through the Claremorris defence for a second try, which Ruairí King converted.
Carrick’s dominance continued as Bosquette added his second try, latching onto a clever chip into open space, with King adding the extras. Patrick Charles and Jordan Haven subsequently showcased their attacking flair — each crossing twice before half time — with two of those tries also converted by King.
Carrick entered the break with an unassailable lead. However, Claremorris began the second half with renewed energy, applying pressure and earning a well-deserved try under the posts, which was converted.
However, Carrick quickly regained control. John Healy powered over after a strong carry, with King converting.
Bosquette completed his hat-trick with a neat display of footwork. The try was, once again, converted by the reliable King. Healy rounded off the scoring, sealing the 64-7 win.
Carrick’s performance was a collective effort, with every player contributing to the dominant display. While individual brilliance was evident, the team’s organisation and cohesion stood out.
With this victory, Carrick advance to the Connacht Junior 1C Cup final in March, adding excitement to a season that still holds league ambitions. The league title remains within reach as Carrick look to finish the season strongly.
The Carrick U-16 team were defeated 29-5 by Buccaneers.
While this was only a challenge match and a great opportunity for Carrick to test themselves against Division One opposition, the better team won on the day.
On a perfect pitch and in a game played in an excellent spirit throughout, there was absolutely nothing between the teams in the physical stakes. However, Carrick's penalty count was way too high.
Consequently, Buccs punished Carrick severely by scoring three tries directly as a result of very basic handling errors, repeated missed tackles and a succession of penalties conceded, particularly in the ruck.
Carrick's awareness at times during the game, but particularly on restarts, was way short of where it needs to be at this level. They just never got a sufficient foothold in the game to put Buccs under any kind of real pressure.
When they finally got into Buccs territory, they were able to show what they are capable of. After an excellent break from another dominant scrum, Carrick found themselves inside the Buccs 22.
A terrific heave by the forwards allied to some strong rucking was rewarded by an excellent try, brilliantly finished off by Fiachra Guckian for this first try of the season.
Carrick were denied two further tries in the second half when two of their front row were held up in identical circumstances over the Buccs line, despite two mammoth efforts by the pack on the five-metre line.
They have an excellent opportunity against Division One outfit, Galway Bay/Galwegians, next Sunday in Carrick to show their true colours.
The Carrick U-15s welcomed Ballina on Saturday for a challenge game in preparation for the upcoming cup competition next month.
Amazingly it was only the second home game for Carrick this season since beating Sligo in the league in September.
In a game played in perfect conditions, both sides played with positivity and attacked at every opportunity.
Carrick ran out 46-24 at the end of an entertaining game. The club wishes Ballina the best of luck in the cup.
