Ballinrobe 10
Creggs 12
Not for the faint hearted but this was a match won with passion, determination and an incredible pride in the jersey. Ten minutes into the match and against the run of play the home side went in front with a penalty kick. However this setback simply strenghtened the resolve of the Creggs team who fought back with a great try which took them into the break with two point lead.
Playing against a strong wind from the restart, Creggs had it all to do to hold on to a slim lead. Though they played the better rugby with some great handling , at times were forced back into their twenty two with some excellent and precise kicking by the opposing flyhalf.
A couple of basic errors saw the home team steal a try which they were fortunate to convert, leaving a five point deficit with ten minutes left on the clock. Lesser teams would have thrown in the towel, but Creggs went back into battle and played an unerring and explosive last ten minutes. They were justly rewarded in the very last minute with a well taken try followed by the sweetest of conversions against a swirling wind to win the match by two points.
In the final analysis, we were deserved winners and have now qualified for the League semi final. If we produce the same type of attack with an equal defence, it will take a very good side to beat us.
Meanwhile, our senior side had an emphatic win in the Heiniken Cup first round 37-05 against OLBC.
Our under 15 team recorded a comprehensive win over Buccaneers while our under 17s played out a very impressive draw with Galwegians.
Overall, a great weekend for our Club, Creggs RFC.