Connacht J1A Finale

The eagerly awaited Junior 1A league decider between Connemara and a Creggs RFC squad seeking a 3-in-a-row league title took place in ideal conditions in Clifden on Sunday. With Connemara enjoying home advantage due to their superior placing in the initial phase of the competition, the odds appeared to be stacked in favour of the All Blacks. However Creggs tore into their opponents from the start and deservedly went ahead in the 5th minute when Shane Purcell slotted a 35 metre penalty. A few minutes later a clever chip by scrumhalf Mark Dowd created havoc in the Connemara defence resulting in a 5 metre scrum from which Shane Dowd glided over for a fine try. Shane Purcell landed a superb conversion from the touchline to give the visitors a 10 nil lead. Connemara responded with an Ian Staunton penalty after Creggs were penalised for a high tackle just outside the 22. Connemara were level by the 20th minute when a series of attacks resulted in a well-taken try by their left winger Marty Connelly which Ian Staunton converted. Creggs edged in front once more when Shane Purcell confidently slotted a 45 metre penalty in the 26th and 34th minute to give his team a 16-10 halftime lead.

Connemara got a yellow card shortly after the restart and this led to a period of sustained pressure inside the 22. In the 50 minute winger Darren Gately sprinted clear for a fine try in the 50th minute for a 21-10 lead. Connemara threw everything into attack but the Creggs defensive was top-class with Shane Dowd putting the issue beyond doubt scoring a try on 72 minutes which Shane Purcell converted to give Creggs an unassailable 28-10 win.

This was a brilliant display team by Creggs with every member of the squad contributing to a rare victory in Clifden. Captain James Brandon was presented with the Junior League trophy by Connacht Vice President Tom Horkan amid scenes of jubilation from the large number of travelling Creggs supporters. Creggs now advance to the play-offs for the All-Ireland league with the semi-final scheduled for Saturday April 5th. ln the meantime Creggs have also the Junior Cup final on March 30th against Dunmore in Ballina to contend with.

Team photos compliments of Steve Fahey Foxshots77