THE GAIN LINE Creggs power past Buccs in Athlone

Connacht J1A League:

Buccaneers RFC 3

Creggs 31. The Creggs Firsts, led by two ex-Buccs coaches in Tony Dolan and Kolo Kiripati, enjoyed a convincing away win over local rivals Buccaneers in their penultimate league match last Saturday night.

Trailing from a Buccs’ penalty, Shane Purcell kicked Creggs level before Ronan Dowd crossed for the visitors’ first try of the evening on the half-hour mark.

Creggs went in at the break 17-3 to the good after captain Brian Diffley ripped the ball from a maul and started a counter which resulted in Mark Purcell touching down. Brother Shane was on hand to add the extras to give Creggs a comfortable lead.

Shane Purcell punished Buccaneers’ indiscipline in the second half as he darted over for Creggs’ third try, which he converted, to leave the visitors 24-3 ahead.

It was the impressive Purcell who secured the bonus point with another converted try to confirm a 31-3 win for Creggs. The final league game is away to Castlebar RFC next weekend.

Youth Rugby

Connacht Girls’ U-18

Division League Final: Tuam/Oughterard 19 Creggs 14. Creggs travelled to Ballyhaunis where they were narrowly beaten by the Galway amalgamation side last weekend.

A poor first half allowed the opposition in for three tries to give them a 19-7 lead at half-time with Creggs’ try coming from Roisin Maher.

Creggs improved after the break and Maher added her second try, which was converted by Eabha Dowd, to make it a one-score game late on.

Unfortunately, and despite a brave Creggs’ effort, Tuam/Oughterard emerged the winners. This was a superb performance from the U-18 girls and it gives them plenty to work on ahead of the cup campaign. Congratulations to Tuam/Oughterard on a hard-fought win.

Connacht Boys’ U-14 League: Creggs 19 Sligo

Buccaneers Rfc

19. The hosts shared the spoils with Sligo on Saturday afternoon following an absorbing game of rugby.

Daniel Nerney put Creggs ahead with a try in the corner before pre-match favourites Sligo took control to run in three tries to give them a 19-5 lead at the break.

The second half was much better viewing from a Creggs’ point of view and Sam Walsh slalomed his way through the Sligo defence to score after 14 minutes. Harry Waldron’s conversion left just one score in it at 19-12.

Walsh wasn’t finished there, however, and he intercepted just five minutes later before sprinting to the line. His conversion brought the sides level and Creggs held on to secure the draw.

Both sides have qualified for the league semi-final and play each other again in Sligo RFC next weekend.

Connacht Boys’ U-15 League Division Two: Creggs 5 Monivea 45. Monivea secured their semi-final place with a comprehensive win over the Maroons last Saturday in Creggs. The visitors were always in control and the game was effectively over by half-time. Credit to the Creggs lads who kept going and ensured that the try count was one apiece in the second half.

Connacht Boys’ U-15