Creggs rock Sligo to take Connacht Under-15 Rugby Shield
Creggs underage rugby got reward for all their hard work when the Under-15s defeated Sligo RFC 15 – 5 in the final of the Connacht Under-15 Shield. It was played in Ballyhaunis last Saturday..
Losing the toss Creggs faced into a gusting wind, but adopting the proper tactics were able to control the game. Keeping ball in hand through forwards and backs, dealing with the Sligo kicks. James Brandon at stand in fullback impressed, and rucking and tackling well we had more territory.
The set piece was solid and most importantly the Creggs boys gave away no penalties within kicking range. After 12 minutes a good back move brought Creggs into the left corner. After some close in rucks No.8 Edward Clinton forced his way over. Into a strong breeze and out wide out half Michael Farrell nailed an almost impossible conversion to give Creggs a deserved 7 point lead.
Receiving the kick off Creggs forced our way back into the Sligo half and kept our continuity game going. On 22 minutes lovely hands by the Creggs backs released left winger Michael Feely, who on being tackled was able to off-load to the supporting Cliton who touched down for his and our second try. Unfortunately Farrell was unable to convert from another difficult angle.
Turning over for the second half with a 12 -0 lead, the intensity displayed by the Creggs lads dropped due to the great effort of the first half and expecting the breeze to do the work.
Creggs went through a stage of not committing enough bodies to the rucks, missing the odd tackle and generally trying to force the game leading to some sloppy knock ons. Mid-way through the half Sligo forced their way into our 22 and eventually scored an unconverted try.
This was the necessary wake up call and captain Brian Diffley really showed his leadership qualities for the last quarter, rallying his troops to greater efforts. When awarded a penalty 20 meters out Farrell duly added the three points giving Creggs Rugby the two score cushion.
Creggs finished strongly, most noticeably in the tackling stakes with centre Adam Whyte in particular to the fore.
At the end of the final our own Adrian Leddy, the Connacht Branch Junior Vice President had the extra honour of presenting the shield to captain Brian Diffley to the delight of the large support.
Creggs Rugby Under-15 team and reserves; Thomas O Byrne, Rory Cunniffe, Daniel Butt, James Fetherstone, Aidan Devine, Ronan Cahill, Edward Clinton, Sean Doorly, James McNally, Michael Farrell, Conor McNeill, Adam Whyte, Brian Diffley(capt), Michael Feely, James Brandon, Richard Thomson, Andrew Mannion, Max Bannon, Conor Shanagher, Mark Tarmey, Shane Purcell, Niall Cunniffe.
The medal presentation will take place in the clubhouse in Creggs on Friday April 26th, time to be confirmed.
CBS Roscommon reach Rugby U-14 Connacht League Final
CBS Roscommon 24, St Geralds, Castlebar 19.
CBS Roscommon reached the Connacht Rugby Under-14 League Final after a hard fought win over St Geralds of Castlebar in Ballyhaunis last Wednesday. CBS will now travel to the same venue this Wednesday at 1pm for the final against the much fancied favourites St Josephs (The Bish) from Galway.
Played in very good conditions on a hard pitch CBS started the game very well and good work upfront by Gavin Carberry , Ryan Biesty, Baryal Khan and Ian Conlon were setting up good possession for the backs and when the CBS backs moved the ball wide they looked dangerous and were rewarded after 8 minutes when Niall Cunniffe touched down in the corner to give CBS a 5 -0 lift.
CBS continued to attack but left themselves open to counter attack and St Geralds took the opportunity when it came to them 5 minutes before half time to score under the posts which they converted to leave the half time score 7-5.
The second half both teams ran the ball at every opportunity which was very refreshing to watch and CBS were first to score when again good work up front from Lennox Muso and Cillian Higgins,and again CBS moved the ball wide and Jason Haore dived over from close range which Shane Purcell converted. St Geralds then had their best spell of the game and they took the game to CBS and were making ground by picking and driving up front and were rewarded with a try in the corner to leave the score 12-12.
CBS rolled up their sleeves and took control for the next 15 minutes and a Great break from the back of the scrum by James Brandon, was carried further forward by Melvin Conteh and James Brandon once again picked and went over in the corner which was excellently converted from the touchline by Niall Cunniffe. From the
kick off CBS regathered the ball and James Brandon once again gathered and when he broke the first tackle he found open space in front of him and ran 50 metres up field to touch down in the corner giving CBS a 24-12 points advantage.
In the last play of the game a loose kick by CBS saw St Geralds run the ball back at the CBS and they were rewarded with the last score of the game leaving the final score 24-19.
Please support CBS Roscommon in the Final this Wednesday at 1pm in Ballyhaunis against the much fancied favourites St Josephs (The Bish) from Galway.
CBS Roscommon: Melvin Conteh, Lennox Musa, Gavin Carberry, Ian Conlon, Baryl Khan, James Brandon, Eoghan Coyle, Michael Hanley, Shane Purcell, Jason Hoare, Niall Cunniffe, Cian Gately, Thomas Hanley, Ryan Biesty, Cillian Higgins, Niall Dolan, Rory Cunningham, John Cuttle. Colin McDermott.
Creggs Under-10s undefeated in National Blitz
Last Saturday, the Creggs U10’s played in the national Blitz in Portlaoise RFC and played excellent rugby throughout the day.
They had a great time remaining undefeated all day. They went in to their final game after two great victories over Richmond RFC (Limerick), Midland Warriors RFC (Moate) and a draw with Malone RFC (Belfast). Their fourth game was against
Ballymena RFC who were also undefeated (after three wins) but the Creggs boys toppled another big club with a great victory, winning by one try.
Congratulations is due to these great young players and their coaches on doing Creggs Rugby proud on the national stage, playing some amazing rugby all day long.
Creggs Under-16s draw Connacht Cup Semi Replay
After a very good performance leading to a 17-17 draw last week at home in the Connacht Under-16 Cup Semi-Final, the Creggs Under-16 side travelled to play Westport RFC in the replay last Friday at the Mayo venue.
After playing out another draw (13-13) with a strong performance by the forwards throughout, the win and a place in the Cup Final was cruelly awarded to Westport because they scored the first try in the replay.
Creggs dominated the line-outs but came out second best in most scrums, with the Creggs forwards proving the strongest in open play. Unfortunately, the backs did not take advantage of the possession and territory, particularly in the first half.
Creggs U-17’s for Connacht League Semi-Final
Creggs Rugby Under-17s had a great 27-20 win against Connemara RFC in the quarter Final of the U-17 Plate last week in Creggs. Unfortunately, they loss the semi-final to a very strong
They now play the Connacht League Semi-Final v Claremorris RFC this Thursday in Ballyhaunis at 6.30pm. Please
Great day for all CreggsMini Rugby teams
Creggs Minis had a very successful outing to Ballinasloe RFC last week with our Under-8s, U-9s, U-10, U-11s, and U-12s. The Blitz also included Birr RFC.
Creggs Rugby end-of-season American Tea Party
Creggs Rugby Club is have a big end-of-season “American Tea Party” night in the clubhouse on Friday, April 26th, kicking-off at 8.30.
There will also be presentations on the night, including to recent Club Persons of the Year – Catriona Glennon, Berney Higgins and Dave Purcell.
The idea of this style of tea party is that everyone brings along their own food and drinks to their table, and also bring a few friends if possible. Music & entertainment will be provided by the the Club.
The cost is a reasonable €10 per person and a great night is promised. It is also an ideal opportunity for parents of Youth and Mini Rugby players to come and enjoy themselves.
For further details on the Creggs rugby end of season ‘American Tea Party’, contact our Secretary, Sean Brandon on 086 170 8506.
The first ‘100 Challenge’ later this month
Creggs Rugby Club and Donamon Dynamos Cycling Club have combined their efforts to raise money for a very worthy cause. Both clubs have announced the ‘100 Challenge’, a leisure cycling event that is as tough as you want it to be, while raising much need funds for the ‘Sunshine Class’ at Creggs National School. It takes place on Sunday, April 28th. 2013, with an expected start time of 10am.
Basically, the 100 Challenge offers the more serious cyclists the opportunity to take part in a major cycling event. They can target a 100 miles or alternatively 100 kms distances. For all other cyclists from beginners, less experienced or occasional cyclists right up to those that wish to cover any distance of one circuit or more that suits them will all be accommodated.
The course circuit will be from Creggs to Castlecoote, onwards to Donamon Wood, around to Kilbegnet and back in to Creggs, which is ten miles in total. The event headquarters and Sign On will be at Creggs Rugby Club and it will also be the Start and Finish point for each circuit. Parking, showers, tea, sandwiches and other refreshments etc will also be on offer to all cyclists there.
The Sign On fee will be €20, or enquire about a sponsorship card for this great event.
All proceed going to the very worthy Sunshine Class at Creggs NS, which is an amazing facility, providing very important service to support children with disabilities in the community.
For those that would like to get some training in, Donamon Dynamos has training spin every Tuesday & Thursday at 7pm in Castlecoote.
There will be more details on the ‘100 Challenge’ next week. In the meantime, all enquires to: Berney Higgins, Creggs Rugby, at 086 2592282, or John Concar, Donamon Dynamos, at 087 6660411.
