Creggs 25 – Connemara 12.

Creggs met old rivals Connemara in a vital league game on Saturday evening with a huge amount riding on the outcome of the game for both teams. In order to remain in contention for a fourth successive league title,Creggs knew that nothing less than a win would suffice to keep their hopes alive. An early penalty by Mark Purcell edged Creggs in front but Connemara served notice of their threat with a few forays into Creggs territory which yielded nothing on the scoreboard. With defences gradually getting on top, scoring opportunities were at a premium for the remainder of the first half and so Creggs turned around 3 nil ahead after alot of honest endeavour but little sparkle on display from either team. Connemara were energised at the start of the second half when fullback Henry O’Toole ran a brilliant line through the heart of the Creggs defence to touch down under the posts for a spectacular try which he also converted. Creggs responded with a few powerful scrums, driving Connemara back and forcing the concession of a penalty which almost resulted in a try, before a Mark Purcell penalty reduced the deficit to a single point, 7-6 to the All Blacks after 52 minutes. Connemara defended with great spirit as Creggs began to dominate territorially but eventually the pressure told when powerful No.8 Brian Diffley broke through for a well-worked try which Mark Purcell converted from a difficult angle to put Creggs 13-7 in front heading into the final quarter. Moments later a sweeping backline move was finished off by impressive secondrow Eoin Kelly who touched down under the posts for Creggs second try where Mark Purcell added the close range conversion for a 20-7 lead which reflected the home team’s increasing forward dominance. Fullback Shane Dowd rounded off another backline attack for a try in the 74th minute before Connemara hit back with a second try by Henry O’Toole after some slick handling in midfield.

 

Following last weekend’s setback in Dunmore, this was an important victory for Creggs and sets them up for next Saturday’s historic All Ireland Junior Cup semi-final against Co. Down opposition Dromore RFC which takes place at 2.30pm in Creggs.

There was a much improved scrummaging display by the Creggs pack while the backs ran some impressive lines when the opportunity arose. The bench also gave the home team extra impetus when called upon with Ronan Cahill in particular, catching the eye with an all-action performance.