Creggs RFC 10 Ballina RFC 7

Creggs U16’s played Ballina RFC last Sunday morning in Creggs in a very competitive League Match. Creggs were back at full strength for the first time this season and had a squad of 25 on the day, so getting game time for everyone was going to be important and so it proved and things are looking up for the squad with great options on the bench now available. Creggs began the game better and took the lead after 15 minutes when a lineout win by John McDonnell was well carried forward by Jack Keegan, Creggs recycled a couple of times and then Aodha Hession moved it wide and Sam Sullivan made good ground releasing Mark Purcell on the 22″ and Purcell outpaced the defence to score in the corner. Up front Tom Farrell, Thomas O Brien, and Jack Tucker carried well and in Defence Rory Callaghan and Jack Hanley were outstanding in the tackle area.

Creggs made a number of changes at half time and Kaylem Hollian , Lorcan Maher and Colin Walsh did well on their introduction and the new front row of Micheal Beirne and Eric O Doherty were not found wanting at set pieces. Ballina had a big set of forwards and they did take the lead after a missed tackle in midfield allowed the Ballina player to run half the length of the pitch to score under the posts giving them a 7-5 lead 10 minutes into the second half.

Creggs continued to attack and took the lead back again 5 minutes before the end when Mark Purcell kicked cross field for Aaron Hannon to dive on the ball in the corner to leave the scoreline 10-7 with time running out,

Creggs U16’s will hope for a favourable cup draw when it takes place next Wednesday in the hope of a good cup run on the back of a few very good results lately.