Connacht J1C League

Oughterard RFC 16, Creggs Development 15.

The Creggs Development team travelled last Sunday to play Oughterard RFC in the Connacht J1C League. They came up just short against tough opponent in an exciting game played in windy conditions in Oughterard.

A tremendous tap tackle on Creggs Tommy Devine deprived the visiting team of victory as the strong-running fullback was stopped just yards from the tryline in the final play of the match.

Oughterard led 16 – nil, at half-time with a try by former lrish international Jack Clarke and three well struck penalties and a conversion by out-half Bartley Walsh.

Creggs used the wind to good effect in the second half with astute kicking by scrum-half Matthew Browne driving his team forward.

Prop-forward Brian Coady burst through for a fine try in the 59th minute and when Damien Nolan touched down following a scrum with ten minutes remaining, Creggs were right back in the game.

However, Oughterard defended with great determination in the face of intense pressure and they held out until David Hoare scored a try out wide to reduce the deficit to a single point in the 78th minute. Michael Farrell’s well struck conversion from the touchline was narrowly wide and then Oughterard had to survive the final onslaught which almost yielded victory for Creggs.

The Creggs players performed with great spirit and no little skill with Eoghan Cahill, Tommy Curley, Brian Coady, Tommy Devine, John Scroope, and highly impressive scrum-half Matthew Browne to the fore.

Creggs play Portumna away next Sunday at 2.30pm, and after this encouraging performance, we will hope for a great game next weekend. Training on Tuesday (8pm) and Friday (8.30pm). New and returning players, always welcome.

Creggs Rugby: Tommy Devine, John Scroope, Barry Egan, Conor Gore, Niall Cunniffe, Michael Farrell, Matthew Browne, Brian Coady, Enda Tully, Tommy Curley, Alan Glennon, Damien Nolan, Eoghan Cahill, Michael Feeley, Peter Heavey, Mattie Corcoran, David Hoare, Jamie Ryan, and John Devine.