Loughrea – 25
Creggs – 12

With this year’s League now effectively split into two halves this bonus point win takes Loughrea to within 3 points of leaders Castlebar with a game in hand, Creggs however remain anchored in the relegation zone with the four games down for November assuming critical import.

Creggs started this game well, despite facing a stiff breeze the game turned around 8-0 for the home side, a penalty after 8 minutes from scrum half Greg Glynn and a try from left winger Benji Ekong the only scores in the opening half. Creggs had defended stoutly, captain Tom Callaghan putting in another huge shift and in the backs Andrew Callaghan was a commanding presence at scrum half and Matthew Brandon tackled with gusto in an unaccustomed left wing role. At half time therefore Creggs were not in a bad place but all that changed within minutes of the resumption when full-back Padraig Burke crossed near the posts with the Creggs defence in disarray. Loughrea failed to add the easy conversion and Creggs clawed their way back into the game, a fine handling movement culminated in a Noel Flynn try at the right corner flag, and Flynn extracted maximum value with a magnificent sideline conversion. Loughrea pulled further ahead however with 15 minutes remaining when centre Mike Martyn crossed under the posts for a try converted by Glynn and secured their bonus point with a fourth try 5 minutes later from replacement Jaydon Medson, again unconverted.

The final 10 minutes was probably Creggs best period of the game and although it was academic at that point flanker Bernard Kilcommons crossed for a consolation try with 5 minutes remaining. Of concern to Creggs would be the total eclipse in the line-out, securing just 2 possessions from quick throws to Mattie Corcoran at the front and with the return of Niall O’Rourke and Kevin Brandon imminent this crucial area will demand much attention from coaches Kevin O’Rourke and Liam Callaghan in the build-up to the vital game with Tuam in Creggs under lights on Saturday 01 November.

Creggs : Chris Duignan, Damien Miskell, David Brandon, Peter Lohan, Matthew Brandon, Noel Flynn, Andrew Callaghan, Paul McNeill, Mattie Corcoran, Kevin Rushe, Ray Cassidy, Brian Donoghue, Sean Og Higgins, Bernard Kilcommons, Tom Callaghan.

Replacements : Aidan Leetch, Enda Tully, Declan Nee.