Creggs had to battle hard before sealing victory with three tries in the final quarter to give a slightly flattering look to the scoreline in this keenly contested League game at Ballyhaunis on Saturday night.
Ballyhaunis have struggled this season and are doomed to relegation but they really went down fighting with a spirited display which augurs well for the future of this proud club.
Creggs led by 18 -12 at half-time with tries by Impressive outhalf Shane Dowd and dynamic second-row Alan Glennon. with Dowd also kicking two penalties and a conversion.
Ballyhaunis responded with two tries from Paddy Gallagher and Brendan Cleary, with fullback Ryan Conway landing a superb touchline conversion.
Creggs went further ahead in the 51st minute when the referee awarded a penalty try after a period of sustained pressure which Shane Dowd converted.
With Ballyhaunis tiring, Creggs began to run the ball at every opportunity and this policy yielded fine tries for winger Luke Meehan and fullback Michael Holland before Shane Dowd rounded off the scoring with a blistering run to the try line for a superb solo score.
Creggs face a tough test next weekend with a League game against local rivals Tuam (details to be finalised). The Ballyhaunis ground staff deserve great credit for the condition of their pitch after a week of heavy rainfall which rendered many grounds unplayable.
With players of the calibre of fullback Conway, outhalf Gabriel Gallagher and second row John Nolan to the fore, Ballyhaunis look well capable of reversing their fortunes next season.
Creggs RFC: Michael Holland, Michael Farrell, Peter Lohan, Tom Callaghan, Luke Meehan, Shane Dowd, Chris Duignan, Tom Fleming, Brian Coady, Aidan Leech, Eoghan Farrell, Brian Donoghue, Alan Glennon, Kevin Brandon, Alan Brandon, and Enda Tully.
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