Creggs RFC 32, Sligo RFC 14.
Creggs Under-17’s had a very impressive opening day Connacht League victory over Sligo RFC in Creggs last Sunday morning, coming out on top in a 32 – 14 victory.
Played in windy but dry conditions this was an excellent game of rugby with both sides trying to run the ball at every opportunity. Sligo played with the wind in the first half and scored early converted try. Creggs settled soon after and used their off loading game to break the strong Sligo defence with Tom Farrell, Thomas O’Brien, John McDonnell and Eric O Doherty were prominent up front early on.
Creggs replied to the early Sligo score with two tries before half time through Jack Keegan and Rory Callaghan, both of which were converted by Mark Purcell. Both tries had been set up through good interplay between forward and backs and Aodha Hession was doing well linking the play.
Leading 14-7 at half time Creggs used the wind to pin their opponents back early in the second half and they scored a penalty through Mark Purcell to strectch the lead to 17-7.
Sligo responded well breaking from their own 22 and ran the pitch, touched-down and converted it to reduce the deficit to 17-14 after 15 minutes.
Creggs needed to score next and a long range penalty from Purcell after 19 minutes gave them a 6 point lead with 16 minutes remaining. Creggs then scored 2 very good tries through Aaron Hannon, one after 22 minutes when good work by Rory Callaghan, Jack Tucker, Rhoddie McGuinness, Ben Finnerty and John McDonnell made good ground and when Creggs got near the line Hession and Purcell used quick hands to release Hannon in the corner.
With only 4 minutes remaining Creggs sealed the victory when Aaron Hannon broke straight through the cover to score under the posts after very good work from Lorcan Maher and Tom Farrell which was converted, leaving the final score 32-14.
Playing Ballina RFC This Friday Night In Creggs
Creggs Under-17s are back in action in Creggs this Friday night at 7pm, when they play Ballina RFC in the Connacht League. Please support the lads. Training continues and new players always very welcome.
Creggs Rugby: Eric O Doherty, Rhoddie Mcguinness, Thomas O Brien, Tom Farrell, Jack Tucker, Jack Keegan, John McDonnell, Rory Callaghan, Lorcan Maher, Diarmuid Quinn, Aodha Hession, Mark Purcell, Aaron Hannon, Jack Hanley, Ben Finnerty, Kaylem Hollian, and Ryan O’Keeffe.