Senior Rugby

Creggs win PJ Forde Trophy and Cup Quarter-Final

Creggs RFC 2nd’s 29, Loughrea RFC 17,

Creggs scored 5 tries in defeating Loughrea in Sunday’s Ard Na Cregg Quarter-Final clash at The Green, and in the process also won the PJ Forde Trophy. A hat-trick of tries by outstanding flanker Michael Feeley played a major part in Creggs victory.
Loughrea began in determined fashion and were rewarded with an early try when slack defence by the home team resulted in a converted try under the posts.
Creggs responded with Michael Feeley’s first try when a perfectly placed chip by David Hoare caused panic in the Loughrea defence.
Shortly afterwards excellent handling out wide led to another try by the pacy Feeley with Ger Heneghan slotting a tremendous conversion from the touchline.
Ruairi OBrollochain added a third try following another sweeping backline move to leave Creggs 17-7 ahead at halftime.
However, Loughrea hit back with a well-worked try before scrumhalf David Hoare scored a superb try for Creggs with a 60 metre sprint to the try line. Ger Heneghan’s conversion extending Creggs lead to 24-12.
Excellent handling by the Creggs backs created an opportunity for Michael Feeley to power home for his third try in the 68th minute to put Creggs ahead by 29-12.
However, Loughrea continued to battle right to the end and they were rewarded with a third try eight minutes from time. This was an entertaining game ,with both sides endeavouring to move the ball wide at every opportunity.
The PJ Forde Trophy was also contested in memory of a great Loughrea clubman, with Creggs emerging as the proud holders on this occasion. Captain Kevin Rushe accepted the cup.
Creggs Rugby: Bernard Kilcommons, John Scroope, Michael Farrell, Ruairi O Brollochain, Conor Gore, Ger Heneghan, David Hoare, Tommy Curley, Enda Garvey, Peter Heavey, Kevin Rushe, Damien Nolan, Dan Butt, Michael Feeley, Micheal Glennon, Paul McNeill, Alan Glennon, Graham Curran, Declan Nee, Seamus Collins,
Andy Boyle, and Aaron Glennon.

Ard Na Cregg Cup Semi-Final next Sunday
Boosted by having won promotion from the Connacht J2 League, and victory over Loughrea in the Ard Na Cregg Cup Quarter-Final last Sunday, Creggs 2nd’s will now play the Semi-Final on Sunday next, Venue and opposition (Boys Club or Ougtherard, or Tuam) TBC – Kick- off at 2.30pm. Training continues every Tuesday and Friday.

Creggs Under-20’s for Westport next Saturday

The Under-20’s are in contention to win the Elvery’s Connacht Under-20 Blitz Series with two rounds remaining. Having won the last round, Creggs Under-20’s are in second position in the Series, as they go in to the penultimate round. It will take place in Westport this Saturday, with kick-off at 6pm,
There is €5,000 of equipment from Elvery’s as first prize for the overall winners of the series. The final round should be a week later at a venue to be decided.
Training with the First’s, Second’s and Under-18.5 teams on every Tuesday and Friday.
New and returning players always welcome. Contact Dave Purcell, Pat O’Gorman, or Kevin O’Rourke.

Youth Rugby

CREGGS YOUTH FIXTURES THIS WEEK:
Connacht Under-17 Plate Quarter Final
This Thursday – 05/04/2018, at 19.30 v Oughterard RFC, in Creggs.

Connacht Under-18.5 Plate Semi Final
This Sunday – 15/04/2018, at TBC v Ballina RFC, in Ballina.

OTHER UPCOMING YOUTH RUGBY FIXTURES:
Connacht Under-13 Plate Semi Final
On Saturday week – 21/04/2018 at 13:30 Creggs vs Corrib RFC, in Creggs.

Super Creggs Under-14’s & Under-15’s Welsh tour

Creggs Under-14’s and Under-15’s travelled to Wales last weekend for their tour and to play games again local opposition.

The Under-14’s were first to take to the pitch on Friday afternoon when they travelled to Banwen, the famous birthplace of St. Patrick. There they played the local team – Dulais Valley RFC and came out on top in a great 22-5 victory, after going behind to an early try.

The touring sides then travelled to the Liberty Stadium Swansea to watch the Ospreys V Connacht Rabo Pro 14 game and were introduced to the Connacht players afterwards.

On Saturday after a very competitive and enjoyable Karting experience, the Under-15’s took the short journey to play Pontardawe RFC. This game produced 13 tries and with the strong home team boasting 8 Ospreys Academy players, the Creggs lads can be very proud of scoring 5 very good tries against this older and more experienced outfit.

Thanks to all Coaches and Parents that travelled in the large group of over 60. Thank you also to our two host clubs and to Ospreys Rugby and Connacht Rugby for their hospitality at that game.

Mini Rugby

UPCOMING MINI RUGBY FIXTURES

This week, the Creggs Under-8’s and Under-9’s will will take part in their Connacht Blitz in Castlebar which was previously cancelled due to the weather. Players to be in Castlebar at 10.15am.

Final Mini Rugby Blitz of the season for all Mini Rugby teams
A final big end-of-season Home Blitz/Celebration is being organised for Creggs on Saturday evening, April 21st. at 7pm. All Creggs Mini Rugby teams will have games v Monivea RFC.
It will be a great occasion for all the players and parents to come along and see them enjoy themselves, and end the season in style. More details next week.

Good weekend out for Under-11’s and Under-12’s

Creggs Under-11’s play in the Neville Furlong Garryowen Rugby Festival last Saturday, in Limerick. The boy played very well in several games and had a great day. Thanks to the coaches and parents who travelled to Limerick.

Creggs Under-12’s played in the Connacht Blitz in Ballinasloe RFC last Saturday. The Creggs played very ccompetitive games against Westport, Buccaneers, Ballina and Ballinasloe rugby clubs. Great passing and support play on display from the young lads, so the future looks bright.
The boys had a great day and thanks to the coaches and parents who travelled to Ballinasloe.

Creggs pitch development draw

Tickets are available for the Creggs Rugby Pitches Development Draw from all Members and Players at €10 each or €50 for a book of 6. Please also let all your family and friends living away elsewhere in Ireland or abroad that draw tickets can also be bought very simply on-line at: www.CreggsRugby.ie

All sellers, please note that the Draw Committee meets each Monday night, so please return your tickets and money to your group leaders before each Monday evening.

There are 26 great prizes, and you can support the club is providing the first full-size IRB approved 3G rugby pitch in Connacht, as well as other grass pitches and facilities. Thank you for all your on-going support.