Creggs teams involved in plenty of action
The Creggs U-18 girls' team that defeated Tuam-Oughterard in Creggs on Thursday evening last to qualify for the Connacht League final.
Creggs’ first team edged past Corinthians, 19-18, in a tight, tense physical battle in Galway last Saturday evening.
The home side opened brightly with a sweeping back move that procured a try.
Creggs responded with a good break from scrum-half Mark Dowd who linked with back-row Tom Callaghan and James Brandon to force a penalty, which Shane Purcell converted.
The visitors continued to apply pressure with good drives by Danny Arnold, Brian Diffley and Ronan Cahill, leading to Shane Purcell finding a gap to touch down near the posts for a try that he converted to leave Creggs 10-5 ahead at half time.
The second half saw the Galway-based side dominate the early exchanges, yielding a penalty for them. Great work from Jack Fleming, who was making his senior cup debut, saw him link up with Eoghan Coyle, which led to a Shane Purcell penalty.
Mark Purcell, who was returning from injury, marked his return with a massive penalty from 45 metres to leave Creggs with a comfortable eight-point lead. However, Corinthians responded with a converted try and brought the gap back to a single point, which made for a nervous finish.
However, Creggs emerged victorious by a single point and now look forward to a huge clash away to Connemara next Sunday in Clifden in the last eight (kick-off is at 2 p.m.).
Creggs’ second team hosted Carrick-on-Shannon in their league decider on Sunday, and prevailed 34-15.
The visitors took the lead with a 15th minute penalty. It took Creggs until the 29th minute to respond when, from a five-metre scrum, Jack Tucker forced his way over for a try which was converted by Mark Brandon.
From the kick-off. Carrick attacked inside the ‘22 and, after a number of phases, scored under the posts to lead 10-7. Just as half time approached, Creggs’ backs opened up the defence and Mike Farrell was in for a try but stepped on the touchline three metres short of the corner flag.
Creggs won the lineout and worked the ball across the backline where a reverse pass put Mark Kilcommons in for an excellent try. Brandon converted to give Creggs a 14-10 half-time lead.
Shortly after the kick-off, Creggs pressure led to Tommy Curley being driven across the line by Eoghan Farrell for a superb try. Once again, Mark Brandon added the extras and Creggs were 21-10 ahead.
Carrick showed their class by getting in for a five-pointer in the 56th minute. The conversion was missed and Carrick wouldn’t score again.
A number of Creggs subs came on, including Maurice Buckley, who was playing his first game in 12 months. From the kick-off Buckley won a penalty, which Brandon kicked from 37 meters out.
Creggs were now forcing mistakes out of the opposition. After 62 minutes Mark Brandon intercepted a pass on the halfway line, looked over his shoulder and knew he was away. He turned and grinned at the management and subs as he raced for the corner flag, scoring another five points to loud applause.
Creggs were now 29-15 ahead. A great pass on the Carrick ‘22 released Padraig Geraghty at speed to score the final try.
It was great to see new younger players join this side with Darren Gately and Lorcan Maher getting on the pitch to finish out the game.
The Creggs U-13 boys took on Galwegians on a cold sunny Sunday.
When the sides met in the opening game of the season, Galwegians won easily. But, on this occasion, Creggs showed the progress they have made since then by recording a five-point victory.
It was an epic battle, with Galwegians almost grabbing a breakaway score that would have snatched victory. However, a superb cover tackle by Harry McDermott ensured that Creggs came away with the win.
Harry McDermott, Harry Feeley, Ryan Sharkey and Ryan Hegarty scored their side’s tries. Creggs move on to play Sligo away on January 27th.
Creggs played Buccaneers on a lovely evening for rugby on Friday last.
Both teams produced some brilliant rugby and there was little between them at half time. There were tries for both sides in the second half, but Buccs came away with the victory.
This team are working hard, which is reflected in their improvement. Well done to try scorer on the night, Isabelle Boyle, and Alice Featherstone with the conversion. Training continues during the week.
The Creggs U-14 boys’ team travelled to Galway for their league semi-final against Corinthians on Saturday.
The visitors dominated the opening half. After a number of Corinthians infringements, Creggs were awarded a penalty try. One of the home team’s players was also shown a yellow card.
Creggs took full advantage through a Ryan Halligan try, which was converted by Cathal Nerney for a 14-0 lead.
Corinthians grabbed a lifeline on the stroke of half time when they breached the Creggs defence. The home side dominated most of the second half but Creggs defended brilliantly to secure a famous 14-7 triumph.
The team play Ballinasloe in the league final in two weeks’ time. Details to be confirmed.
Creggs: Cameron Clark, Daniel Connolly, Darragh Connaughton, Conor McDermott, Tom Óg Reddington, Ryan Halligan, Will O’Gara, Austin Smith, Calvin Beckett, Cathal Nerney, Ryan Lynch, Calum Ward, Ciarán Cuanne, Tomás Lohan, Mark Fox, Mark Naughton, Rian Healy, Fionn Healy, Cormac Doyle, Enna Holmes, Aydin Odemis, George Hoban, Kyle Cahill, Mark McLoughlin, Cillian Hoare, Tadhg Bracken, Alex Doyle.
The Creggs U-16 girls travelled to Ballinasloe for their latest league game on Saturday.
They put up a good fight but, unfortunately, it was not to be their day. Preparations continue for the cup.
The Creggs U-16 boys played Sligo at home in the league semi-final on Saturday.
In a very tight match, a try by Harry Kilcoyne and a penalty by Kaylum Curran gave the home team a one point win on a scoreline of 8-7.
The win has secured the Creggs boys a place in the league final.
The U-17 boys were beaten 46-12 in the semi-final of the league.
Despite conceding a try inside the opening two minutes, Creggs replied through Mike Kelly. Ger Healy converted the try.
Two Buccs penalties alongside a yellow card for Mike Kelly swung the pendulum in Buccs’ favour and they crossed the whitewash again before the break to lead 20-7.
Creggs’ task was made all the more difficult when they conceded two converted tries in the first 20 minutes of the half. On two occasions, Creggs managed to cross the try line but the referee deemed that they were held up.
Their period of pressure finally paid off when Matthew Beirne crossed over the line for Creggs’ second try of the game. There was still time for Buccs to add to their tally as they prevailed 46-12.
This team may be disheartened with the scoreline but showed their ability in abundance throughout the league campaign and will no doubt be looking to build and be ready to aggressively compete in their cup competition over the next couple of months.
Creggs defeated Tuam-Oughterard 84-26 in their Division One League semi-final in Creggs on Thursday evening.
Once Siofra Hession took advantage of an interception to score for the home side, Creggs never looked back.
Both sides field a number of their interpro players and the big attendance was visibly thrilled with the skills on display.
Creggs' scorers on the night were Siofra Hession, Shauna McDermott, Sarah Purcell, Merisa Kiripati, Ciara Corrigan and Shauna Walsh. Siofra Hession and Grace O’Shaughnessy added the conversions.
The Creggs U-10 and U-12 girls travelled to Ballinasloe RFC for a blitz. They played in a number a games and showed great skill and commitment. Thanks to hosts Ballinasloe Rugby Club.
Creggs minis welcomed Carrick on Shannon RFC to Creggs on Saturday morning for a blitz. About 300 children from U-6 to U-12s turned out, and all four pitches were in use. Families, including parents and grandparents, showed up to witness a great morning of rugby. All players were given snacks afterwards and went home with new friends made.
Thanks to Carrick on Shannon RFC alongside the mini coaches and organisers who do huge work for the club.
The lotto jackpot wasn’t won. It now stands jackpot is €11,600. The lucky dip winner was George Chamberlain.
Last weekend saw 11 Creggs teams playing, with over 250 U-12 minis involved. The lotto generates the money to run all these teams. Please support the lotto on www.creggsrugby.ie.
