Tuam RFC 2nds. 17, Creggs 2nds. 10

Tuam edged out a spirited Creggs team in this hard-fought Connacht Junior 2 League game, played in ideal conditions in Tuam on Saturday evening last.

Tuam went ahead after 12 minutes when impressive outhalf Eoin Kelly chipped over the Creggs defence and collected his own kick to touch down under the posts for a fine solo score. Remarkably,he then missed the easiest of conversions.

Creggs responded with some powerful forward play,which yielded a successful penalty kick by Noel Flynn to reduce the deficit to 5-3.

Just before halftime, Kelly kicked a penalty to leave Tuam 8-3 ahead,and he continued to punish Creggs with three more successful penalty kicks before the game entered the final quarter.

Thereafter, the introduction of fresh legs, notably Mattie Corcoran and Niall Quinn, brought about a resurgence in the Creggs pack, with Tuam being forced on to the backfoot as Creggs began to dominate territorially.

Eventually, a backline move resulted in strong-running centre Ross Mugan powering through the Tuam defence for a well-deserved try,which Noel Flynn converted.

Creggs fought hard in the closing stages, but Tuam were not to be denied, and showed their strength and experience to close out the game, with Owen Lydon, the Kelly brothers and Barry Ruane to the fore. Kieran Coyne, Enda Tully and Kieran Ryan impressed in the Creggs pack, while there were solid displays from senior debutant outhalf Ryan Horan, and winger James Ryan.

Creggs : David Hoare, James Ryan, Tom Deane, Kieran Ryan, Johnny Pontier, Ryan Horan, Noel Flynn: Brian Coady, Enda Tully, Peter Heavey, Damien Nolan, Declan Nee, Graham Curran, Aidan Leech,
Kieran Coyne, Paul McNeill, Sean Mc Neill, Rory O Donoghue, Niall Quinn, Mattie Corcoran, Pat Mc Donagh, Ross Mugan, Mike Mc Neill.

The next First Team Connacht League fixture is v Connemara RFC on Sunday, November 1st at 2.30pm in Creggs. Training continues on Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8.00 pm. New players always welcome.