SENIOR Rugby

Connacht Junior 1 League
Westport RFC 7, Creggs Rugby 29.

On Saturday night in Westport the elements heralded a low scoring game rather than the winning bonus point win that Creggs finished with.
And for the first half hour, during which neither team made any serious inroads on the opposition scoring chances were minimal at either end.
There were signs however all pointing in favour of the visitors. Against the heavier pack the reshuffled Creggs eight were markedly superior in the set pieces, particularly the scrums and behind them both Dowd brothers, Shane at out half and full back Ronan were making judicious use of the boot in marked contrast with the frequently misdirected returns from their counterparts.
Creggs finally broke the deadlock after Aidan Leech who with Maurice Buckley and Eoghan Farrell formed an impressive front row, bounced a would be tackler in trademark fashion and Westport conceded a penalty on the 22 which Mark Brandon duly converted.
The lead was short lived however as the meanest defence in the League paid for uncharacteristically soft tackling and conceded a converted try on the stroke of half time.
Westport’s lead was in turn reversed five minutes into the second half and Creggs winger Kevin Gavin collected a poor clearance on the 40 and scored a marvellous solo try between the posts which Brandon converted.
The home side began to self-destruct at this point, reduced to 14 men with a sin-in for stamping, Leech powered his way over between the posts, Brandon converting to make it 17-7.
A couple of minutes later James Brandon who was working well with Brian Diffley in the back row, intercepted on the half way and was stopped just short of the line, Westport conceding a penalty in front of the posts but Creggs surprisingly spurned the easy three points and opted to kick to the corner, which ultimately yielded no return.
Westport lost a second man to the sin-bin and for a brief period were down to 13 men but Creggs failed to make use of their advantage before numerical parity was restored.
Creggs were however in full control at this point and minutes later a sweeping move from right to left found Gavin at the end of a textbook floated pass from Shane Dowd to cross for his second try.
Minutes later, Eoghan Coyle who had moved from centre into scrum-half wrong-footed the defence and touched down between the posts for the bonus point, Shane Dowd adding the conversion.
A late coda saw left winger Chris Duignan almost bagging a fifth try with a kick chase along the touchline but he knocked on trying to gather the rebound with the line in sight and the game ended 29-7.
Creggs Rugby: Ronan Dowd, Kevin Gavin, Eoghan Coyle, Tom Callaghan, Chris Duignan, Shane Dowd, Mark Brandon, Aidan Leech, Maurice Buckley, Eoghan Farrell, Brian Donoghue, Kevin Brandon, Brian Diffley, Peter Lohan, James Brandon, Sean Og Higgins, Alan Glennon, Edward Clinton, Luke Meehan, and Connor Gore.

Another big game next Saturday in Monivea
This win placed Creggs just one point behind leaders Connemara over-night on Saturday at the half way mark but the All Blacks bonus point win over third place Monivea on Sunday left the top two exactly as they were headed into last weekend.
Creggs with a game in hand play their return match away against Monivea this Saturday (ko 2.30) and as with last week’s contest between the sides at The Green this is again a game of major significance.
Of concern to Pat Cunningham and his management/coaching team are the injuries picked up by his forwards in the last few weeks, on Saturday Peter Lohan, in exceptional form recently had to retire early with a rib injury and prop Tom Fleming, another player at the top of his game sustained an elbow injury in the first game against Monivea.
Alan Brandon, Tom Oates and Brian Coady were also ruled out on Saturday and of these only Oates is likely to be fit for Saturday, so the strength in depth of the squad will be seriously tested over the coming two weekends.

Senior Players – Training
Training continues on Friday (8.15pm) for all senior players.
New and returning players always welcome. Last call, if you haven’t already paid, please pay your membership, which is now overdue.

CONNACHT JUNIOR 1 LEAGUE

POS	TEAM	PLD	W	L	D	PF	PA	DIFF	BP	DED	PTS
1	Connemara	8	7	1	0	208	78	130	6	0	34
2	Creggs	7	6	1	0	137	57	80	4	0	28
3	Monivea	8	5	3	0	141	140	1	2	0	22
4	Castlebar RFC	8	3	5	0	149	151	-2	9	0	21
5	Buccaneers	8	3	5	0	146	166	-20	5	0	17
6	Westport	8	3	5	0	126	177	-51	2	0	14
7	Galwegians	7	3	4	0	138	240	-102	3	-3	12
8	Sligo	8	1	7	0	123	159	-36	5	0	9

Development team’s big Saturday night in Creggs

Creggs Development team play League leaders Corinthians RFC in Creggs this Saturday night under the lights on the Green at 6.30pm.
Creggs Development are in joint-third place with Ballina with a game in hand on Ballyhaunis RFC three points in second place, who are joint-first with Corinthians.
A big shout out for a large turnout for training on this Friday night at 8.15pm for all Development squad players to prepare for this very important League game, before the Christmas break. A special effort by all squad members to step-up this weekend.
New and returning players are always welcome – call out this Friday night at 8.

CONNACHT J1C LEAGUE

POS	TEAM	PLD	W	L	D	PF	PA	DIFF	BP	DED	PTS
1	Corinthians	5	4	1	0	161	105	56	3	-1	18
2	Ballyhaunis	6	4	2	0	102	76	26	2	0	18
3	Ballina	5	3	2	0	168	91	77	3	0	15
4	Creggs	5	3	2	0	100	134	-34	3	0	15
5	OLBC	6	2	4	0	141	165	-24	5	0	13
6	Portumna	5	2	3	0	110	131	-21	3	-1	10
7	Oughterard	6	1	5	0	104	184	-80	4	-1	7

Creggs RFC Over-35s recruiting for friendly games

Creggs Over-35s are recruiting returning and leisure players for friendly games and a possible tour weekend.

Included in the first occasion will be a reunion for many of the Creggs 1992 Under 16-Cup winning team.
Some players are still involved in the club, while some others have stop playing and of course, others have moved away from the region.
Playing a couple of games is going to be a perfect opportunity for old friends to meet up and reminisce about the good old days on and off the field.
There is great work going on with the development of the latest generation new full-size 3G artificial pitch and two additional sand-based pitches plus other facilities that will be available for the future generations. It’s great for those that preceded the current teams and those coming through the ranks, to keep in contact and dust off the boots for an odd run-out.
If you’re interested in either playing or supporting the team on any occasions they are planning, please contact: Mattie Corcoran, Micheal Glennon or Sean Brandon – they would be delighted to see you in Creggs.

YOUTH Rugby 

Creggs YOUTH Rugby – BOYS

Connacht Under-17A League

Creggs Rugby 12, Buccaneers RFC 12.

An under strength Creggs Under-17 team took on local neignbours Buccaneers RFC in Creggs last Sunday morning in the Connacht Under-17A League.
Played in atrocious conditions, both teams can take great credit for this being a highly entertaining fixture with very few mistakes or dropped ball considering the underfoot conditions.
It was Creggs who got on the scoreboard first when they intercepted a Buccaneers pass in their own half and rached in to score for a 5-0 lead through Jack Deegan.
Buccaneers playing with the wind had most of the ball in the remainder of the first half but some heroic tackling and work on the ground early on by Tiernan o’Sullivan, Jack Tucker, Ciaran Corcoran, Adam Donnelly and Lorcan Maher upfront.
They were supported out the backs by Darren Gately at 10 and Cian Glennon and Mark Purcell as centres, constantly putting their opponents on the ground.
Buccaneers did get in for a try just on the stroke of half time after a penalty 5 metres out which they converted to take a 7-5 half time lead
The second half early pressure was put on by Creggs and a brilliant run by Ben Finnerty was halted just short of the line. However, the clearing kick from Buccaneers found Jack Deegan in space. When he was hauled down Creggs moved the ball wide and Aaron Lyons took the ball at pace and beat the defenders to score, which Mark Purcell converted for a 12-7 lead for Creggs.
With limited options up front on the bench Creggs forwards were tiring and falling off a few tackles and the Buccaneers forwards were beginning to make yardage and Buccaneers did get in for an equalising try with 12 minutes left.
Both sides had great chances after that and only some great last ditch tackles and turn overs by both sides kept their opponents out and kept the scores level and for Creggs Naoise Coyle, Conor McNulty and Daniel Hill were strong right up to the end in their defending.
This was a trojan performance by the Creggs lads in poor conditions – it ranks right up there among the best youth rugby defensive efforts seen at the Green, especially with a number of players unavailable for the home side on the day.
Hopefully, the lads will be in a position to pick from a full squad next Sunday, away to Sligo. A win this weekend plus again a week later at home to Corinthians would leave this good Creggs team on target for a Connacht League semi-final place.
Creggs Rugby: Jack Deegan, Daniel O’Brien, Ciaran Purcell, Naoise Coyle, Aaron Lyons, Cian Glennon, Mark Purcell, Darren Gately, Ben Finnerty, Jack Tucker, Conor McNulty, Lorcan Maher, Ronan Lambe, Ciaran Corcoran, Tiernan O Sullivan, Daniel Hill, and Adam Donnelly.

Super away win for Creggs Under-15’s in Galway

Connacht Under-15 League

Galwegians RFC 22, Creggs RFC 25,

We witnessed an outstanding comeback last Saturday in Galway when Creggs Under-15 boys came back from 22 – 6 down at half time. In fact, Creggs keep their opponents scoreless in the second half and manage to rack up 19 unanswered points to take the spoils in this Connacht Division 1 League game.
In the first half Galwegians got in for an early try and although Creggs rallied with two penalties from the boot of DJ Hession. In truth it was first half to forget for the lads as from 4 kick offs, the home side managed to turn them over and go in for 4 tries in that half.
The second half was a completely different game, the Creggs forwards now were taking the ball on at pace and making yards. Good use of the ball from the half backs Cormac Dolan and DJ Hession kept the Galwegians defence moving around.
The comeback started after only five minutes of the second half when after great work from Eoin Kelly, Ben Johnson, Michael McAteer and Aidan Hoare., Ciaran Purcell got in for a well taken try.
Creggs continued to attack and moved the ball between backs and forwards and Tomas Tiernan, Daniel Flynn, and Lee Kilcoyne were very prominent in the pack while Edimar Fimho and Jack Fleming at centre were a threat.
Indeed, it was from one of these great links between backs and forwards that Ciaran Purcell got in for his second try that Oisin O’Beirne excellently converted to reduce the deficit to 22-18 with still 12 minutes remaining.
Creggs started to believe the comeback was possible now and more good work out wide by Senan Lambe was rewarded after the ball was carried on by the forwards and the Creggs backs moved the ball wide for Josh Verling to go over in the corner which again Oisin O Beirne converted to give Creggs a 25-22 lead with 4 minutes remaining.
Creggs had to defend for the last few minutes and again to a man, each stuck to their task and they held out for valuable Connacht League points in their pursuit of a semi final place. There next game is v Sligo RFC on Saturday week in Creggs.

Creggs Rugby: Oisin O’Beirne, Josh Verling, Edimar Fimho, Jack Fleming, Senan Lambe, DJ Hession, Cormac Dolan, Ciaran Purcell, Daniel Flynn, Eoin Kelly, Ben Johnson, Lee Kilcoyne, Michael McAteer, Aindriu Oates, Aidan Hoare, Cormac Feeley, Jimmy Hoey, Tomas Tiernan, and Kayk Oliveira.

YOUTH Team’s (Boys) Fixtures
Creggs Under-13’s will travel to Ballina to play Ballina RFC in the Connacht Under-13A League next Saturday at 12pm
Creggs Under14’s will travel to Monivea RFC next Saturday at 1.30pm in the Connacht Under-14 League.
Creggs Under-16’s will play Monivea RFC next Sunday at 12pm in Creggs the Connacht Under-16 League
Creggs Under-17’s will play Sligo RFC away next Sunday at 12pm in the Connacht Under-17A League.
Creggs Under-18.5’s will play Corrib RFC away next Friday night at 7.30pm in the u18.5 league
Always check CreggsRugby.ie for any late changes to the fixtures.

YOUTH Team’s (Boys) TRAINING
All Training in Creggs for:
Creggs Under-13’s and Under-14’s, on Tuesday night at 7pm.
Creggs Under-15’s train Thursday evening at 6.30pm.
Creggs Under-16’s on Thursday night at 7pm.
Creggs Under-17’s and Under-18.5’s train Thursday night at 7.30pm.
Players new to rugby and returning players always welcome at all age groups.

YOUTH Team Registration/Membership – Last Call
Registration/ Membership is now overdue for all Youth Teams. The last opportunity to pay your membership will be at training and games during the next few days.
N.B. – All paid-up playing members will get a pair of the newly designed Creggs RFC socks.

Creggs YOUTH Rugby – GIRLS

Under-14 Girls Friendly Match:

Galwegians RFC 10, Creggs RFC 55.

Creggs girls travelled to Galway last Saturday for a friendly against Galwegians and put in a very encouraging performance scoring 9 tries to overcome their opponents.
Creggs tries on the day came from Sarah Purcell (4), Jennifer Morris (2), Rachel McDonald, Jean O Boyle, Eadaoin Walsh, with 5 Conversions from Siofra Hession.
It was a very worthwhile game with all the girls getting great game time.
Creggs Rugby: Roisin Maher, Nadine Fitzmaurice, Baibhinn Maher, Siofra Hession, Michaela Gillooly, Sarah Purcell, Julie Ann Fahy, Aoibhinn Murray, Fiona Duffy, Emma Mannion, Jennifer Morris, Rachel McDonald, Hollie Kilroe, Megan Donoghue, Caoimhe Walsh, Jean O Boyle, Eadaoin Walsh, and Ashling Nally

Creggs Under-14 & Under-16 Girls Training
Creggs Under-14 and Under-16 Girls train every Monday evening at 7pm. New players at Under-14 level always welcome.
Please note, new players at Under-16 (born 2003/ 2004) are very welcome to come out and give it a try every Monday night at 7pm in Creggs. Creggs will enter teams in the Cups at Under-14 and Under-16 levels after Christmas. For further details, please contact: Dave Purcell on 089 7000547.

MINI Rugby

Mini Teams Blitz in Creggs this Saturday
This weekend, Creggs Minis – all ages (Under-6’s, Under-7’s, Under-8’s, Under-9’s, Under-10’s, Under-11’a and Under-12’s) will will host Carrick RFC next Saturday in a Blitz in Creggs with a 10.20 kick-off

Registration/ Membership – Last call for small number of remaining overdue Mini Rugby player’s membership. If you have not already done so, please avail of the opportunity to do so this Saturday morning at the clubhouse.
N.B. – All paid-up playing members who haven’t received their pairs of the newly designed Creggs RFC socks, can collect them this Saturday before the Blitz starts.

Creggs Committee MEETING

Monthly Committee Meeting Thursday night at 9pm

This Thursday night (December 6th.), the monthly Committee meeting takes place in the Clubhouse at 9pm. With the new 3G/4G Pitch nearing completion, this is an important meeting.
The Monthly Committee meeting will be preceded by the fortnightly Finance Committee meeting at 8pm. All members of both committees are requested to please attend this Thursday night.