Connacht Junior 2 League:
Creggs Rugby Seconds XV 19, Connemara RFC Seconds XV 15.
A try by prop forward Paul McNeill proved to be the decisive score for Creggs in a keenly contested Connacht J2 League game at The Green on Sunday.
Connemara started brightly, and took an early lead when their forwards set up a rolling maul which Creggs were unable to stop, resulting in a well-worked try for the West Galway men.
Creggs responded with a superb try by Michael Farrell who outpaced the Connemara defence to touch down in the left corner after 18 minutes of play.
The impressive Farrell added a penalty before Connemara hit back with some strong forward drives which yielded a penalty under the Creggs posts to level matters at 8 – 8 shortly before halftime.
Michael Farrell landed another well-struck penalty in the 55th minute to edge Creggs in front, but Connemara hit back with a try following some slick handling which created an opening out wide. A successful conversion left Creggs trailing until Paul McNeill finished off a powerful surge by the home pack for a vital try with 8 minutes remaining.
Michael Farrell added a late penalty to complete his 14 point contribution for Creggs. The home side can take a lot of positives from this game, with newcomers John Scroope, Seamus Collins and Tom Coleman making impressive debuts.
Michael Holland and Michael Farrell were in excellent form, while David Hoare and Dylan Keaveney combined well at halfback. Daniel Butt was prominent in the loose, while Kevin Rushe excelled in the lineout for Creggs.
Damien Nolan made some vital bursts, while Eoghan Cahill, Enda Tully, Matthew Brandon, and Peter Heavey were also to the fore. Conor Gore, Joe Diffley, Mattie Corcoran, tryscorer McNeill, Enda Garvey and Matthew Butt also made important contributions to this hard-earned victory.
Best wishes to Joe Diffley who picked up an injury in this game – wishing him a speedy recovery.
Training continues on Tuesday and Friday nights and new and returning players always welcome.
Creggs Rugby: John Scroope, Seamus Collins, Conor Gore, Michael Holland, Tom Coleman, Michael Farrell, David Hoare, Dylan Keaveney, Matthew Butt, Enda Tully (Capt.), Peter Heavey, Joe Diffley, Kevin Rushe, Damien Nolan, Matthew Brandon, Enda Garvey, Mattie Corcoran, Paul McNeill, Eoghan Cahill, and Daniel Butt.