Connacht J1C League

Portumna RFC 26, Creggs Development 10.

The Creggs Development team travelled last Sunday to play Portumna RFC in the Connacht J1C League.

They came up against a tough opponent but the Creggs lads battled bravely to the end despite being reduced to 14 players for over an hour following an early red card.

Portumna were strong in all facets of play and deserved their win but Creggs refused to capitulate in the face of intense pressure and finished with a fine try by winger Jamie Ryan which Michael Holland converted in the 75th minute.

The South Galwaymen caught Creggs off guard with two early tries, both converted for a 14-0 lead, before out-half Michael Holland kicked a penalty from 35 metres.

Portumna utilised their numerical advatage to good effect with their big pack competing stongly for possession and their lively backs a constant threat.

They added two further tries before Creggs staged a fightback culminating in Ryan’s try where he intercepted a pass deep in his own half and outpaced the home defence for a super score.

The Creggs players performed with great spirit and take a break from competitive action next weekend before hosting OLBC the following weekend in Creggs. Training on Tuesday (8pm) and Friday (8.30pm). New and returning players, always welcome.

Creggs Rugby: John Scroope, David Hoare, Conor Gore, Barry Egan, Jamie Ryan, Michael Holland, Matthew Browne; Tommy Curley, Enda Tully, Eoghan Cahill, Damien Nolan, Alan Glennon, Tommy Devine, Dylan Keaveney, Graham Curran, Mattie Corcoran, John Devine, and John Duffy.