Cawley Cup defeat to Westport RFC.

Sunday afternoon brought a nice crowd to Creggs for the Cawley Cup Semi Final versus Westport Rugby Club. Creggs being the holders were hoping for the win. Some players were missing and some out injured but a young side was picked and started strongly with Aidan Leech making a line break after 8 mins from 40 metres out leaving the Westport backs in his wake scoring under the posts. This was converted by Brian Cleary to lead 7-nil. Westport who travelled with a big heavy pack became dominant in the scrum and after winning numerous penalties kicked their way down the pitch eventually scoring in the right corner and well converted to level the scores. Westport again used their pack to build on possession and followed up with another forwards try and conversion to lead 14 -7. After the kick off Eoghan Coyle, playing at number 10, made a great break down the left wing being forced to knock on at the goal line. Westport again escaped and defended well for the next few minutes where Brian Cleary was injured and replaced by Mark Brandon at no.9. Shortly after, as half time approached prop Sean Og Higgins took possession and raced from 30 meters out breaking through 3 tacklers to score Creggs second try converted by Brandon to level the scores 14 all at half time. Westport started the better of the two sides again scoring 7 points within 9 minutes of the kick off to lead 21-14. Creggs reacted to this score with Coyle again leading the charge followed by Lee Kilcoyne eventually leading to Bradley Neunes breaking the line to score Creggs third try. This conversion was missed and Creggs were behind by just 2 points with 20 mins left. Westport went on the attack again and dragged the Creggs backline into a narrow defence leaving a gap on the wing and they popped in another try, their 4th of the game. This conversion was missed and they now led 26-19. Creggs brought on Tom Farrell into the pack and the reaction was immediate with Creggs winning every scrum thereafter. From a pack who were suffering the change was immense and led to some fabulous play by Creggs. The younger Creggs side began to show its ability running line breaks, spreading the ball wide setting up camp inside the Westport half. A red card from a head to face tackle left Westport with 14 men for the last 7 minutes. Creggs pack worked hard showing plenty ball skills to give their backs a chance. Eoghan taking a quick penalty in front of the posts got held up over the line under the posts. A disappointed Creggs regathered themselves and went on the attack again. They gained a penalty 30 meters out and the line kick fell short finishing the game 10 meters out with a knock on. A great defensive match by Westport saved the day and they ran out winners on 26-19. Creggs will be disappointed as they had enough possession and opportunities in the last 8 minutes to level or even win the game.