ADULT RUGBY

Creggs defeat Tuam in Cawley Cup thriller

Cawley Cup Quarter-Final

Creggs Rugby 13, Tuam 11. (after extra time)

Holders Creggs advanced to the semi-finals of the Cawley Cup (away v Dunmore RFC this Sunday) after a titanic opener to the season.

The Creggs First team shading Tuam RFC whose last gasp penalty attempt in the second period of extra time fell agonisingly short as the final whistle sounded.

This was a game of ferocious intensity, defences very much on top and scoring chances at a premium. A big physical Tuam side gave no quarter throughout and although Creggs monopolised possession in the opening exchanges there was no way through.

Creggs finally made a breakthrough after 25 minutes when Danny Arnold, making an impressive senior debut, burrowed over from a rolling maul for an unconverted try. This was quickly cancelled when Tuam replied in kind leaving the teams tied 5-5 at the interval.

Danny Arnold breaks the gain-line for Creggs supported by Alan Brandon and Brian Donohue. Pic. Ben Finnerty

Elliot Jennings made a big statement immediately after entering the fray with a long searing run which almost delivered a try but the only scores in an attritional second half were an exchange of penalties leaving the sides tied 8-8 at full time.

And so to extra time, after just 2 minutes Jennings again split the Tuam defence, this time going all the way. However, the try was unconverted and when Tuam landed a long-range penalty at the start of the second period, the game hung in the balance with Tuam in the ascendancy but running out of time. It all came down to their failure to land the last kick of the game and Creggs progressed to the semi finals.

Lifted by Ian Whittington and Aidan Leech, Brian Donahue soars to win line-out possession for Creggs v Tuam. Pic. Ben Finnerty

In addition to the aforementioned Danny Arnold, Matthew Curley and Robert Clark also made their senior debuts and Ian Whittington played his first game since joining the club this season. Brian Diffley has also be selected as the new Captain of the First team for this season. Aidan Leech is the new Vic-Captain. Congrats to all.
Creggs Rugby: Eoghan Coyle, Luke Meehan, James Brandon, Tom Callaghan, Chris Duignan, Mark Brandon, Andrew Callaghan, Sean Og Higgins, Danny Arnold, Aidan Leech, Ian Whittington, Brian Donoghue, Kevin Brandon, Alan Brandon, Brian Diffley (Captain), Elliot Jennings, Maurice Buckley, Matthew Curley, Peter Lohan, and Robert Clarke.

Creggs First play Dunmore RFC in Cawley Cup Semi-Final

Following the win over Tuam RFC in the Quarter-Final of the Cawley Cup last Sunday, Creggs will continue to defend the Cup away v Dunmore RFC on Sunday next at 2.30pm. Please come along and support the team, for what will hopefully be another very good season.

Development Team play Carrick RFC

The Creggs Development team start their competitive season this Saturday night at 8pm with a home game v Carrick RFC in the Curley Cup. Please come along and support the team, for what will hopefully be another very good season.

Senior teams Training

This week, the Creggs senior teams (Under-20’s, First’s and Development squads) are training at 8pm on this Wednesday night and 8.15pm on Friday night.

New and returning players always welcome in Creggs – and no previous rugby experience necessary, as full coaching available for all levels.

Connacht Under-20’s games on Saturday

Creggs lead the Connacht Under-20’s ’10’s Competition’ with 20 points, four ahead of NUIG on 16 points. The last round is scheduled for this Saturday – time and venue to be confirmed.

Club News

Score Prediction Draw for World Cup opener v Scotland

The club has a Score Prediction Cards out now for Ireland’s opening match v Scotland in the World Cup in Japan next month. It’s just €2 a line or three for €5. Please support.

Club Meetings This Week

Creggs Finance Committee meet this Thursday at 8pm. This is followed by the monthly Club Committee Meeting at 9pm.

Congratulations to Jack Carty and Bundee Aki

Congratulations to Connacht Rugby backs Jack Carty and Bundee Aki on being selected in the Irish squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Creggs Rugby Club wishes them and Ireland every success.

Pic. compliments of ConnachtRugby.ie

Youth Rugby

UNDER-18.5 BOYS play Monivea RFC on Friday evening in Creggs

Creggs Under-18.5 Boys will play a friendly v Monivea RFC on Friday nights at 6.45pm in Creggs.

UNDER-17 BOYS start their Connacht League campaign at home to Tuam RFC on Friday evening in Creggs at 7pm.

UNDER-17 BOYS TRAINING

Creggs Under-17 Boys training on Tuesday nights at 7pm in Creggs.

UNDER-16 BOYS TRAINING

Creggs Under-16 Boys training on Thursday nights at 7pm in Creggs.

Under-15 BOYS TRAINING

Creggs Under-15 Boys training every Sunday night at 7pm in Creggs.
A Pre-Season trip to Sligo is being organised by Under-15 coaches to include rugby games v Sligo RFC and surfing lessons. It will take place on Saturday week, September 14th.

Under-13 and Under-14 BOYS TRAINING

Creggs Under-13 & Under-14 Boys training every Wednesday night at 7pm in Creggs.

GIRLS TEAM TRAINING

Creggs Girls Rugby Training on Monday nights for Under-14 at 7pm plus Under-16 and Under-18 Girls at 7.30pm in Creggs. New players always very welcome.

MINI RUGBY

Mini Rugby Returns on Saturday September 21st.

Creggs Mini Rugby returns on Saturday, September 21st. Full details will be available next week on registration and the first day back for the new season.