The Claremorris Colts RFC under 13 team secured a fine win on Sunday when overcoming a strong Creggs RFC team in tricky conditions. Leading 26 – 0 at half time and facing into a strong wind in the second half, tough tackling and some fine individual performances seen the ‘Colts’ prevail on a final score of 31-17.
The ‘Colts’ under 13 team travelled to Creggs RFC on Sunday 26th January to face ‘A league’ opposition for the first time this season. Electing to play with the wind in the first half, Michael McHale got the team off to the perfect start with a superb individual try after 5 minutes which was converted by Iarla Jennings. With the wind having a major influence on the pattern of the game, the ‘Colts’ continued to play in the Creggs half and the sustained pressure led to Ciaran Devlin popping the ball up for elusive winger Colin Cummins to score in the corner. Further tries from Takecki Oe and Michael McHale left the ‘Colts’ taking a healthy 26-0 into the break.
The start of the second half heralded the changes for Creggs who brought on several substitutes. The combination of the wind and changes in personal led to a repeat of the pattern of play in the first half with the ‘Colts’ now having to staunchly defend their line from a determined Creggs RFC attack. The home side got their reward from sustained pressure in the 10th minute; powering over for a well taken try which was converted, to leave the score tentatively balanced at 26-7 with 15 minutes to go. However Michael McHale showed great leadership skills when taking a ball on 12 minutes and beating a number of opponents to score another fine individual try to bring the score to 31-7. This was Michael’s last action in the game as he had to leave the field with an injury, however despite his loss and conceding 2 further tries, the Claremorris Colts RFC team hung on to earn a deserved win on a final score of 31-17.
Team
1. Iarla Jennings 2. Edzus Mukans 3. Michael McHale 4. Bogdan Gadek 5. John Sullivan 6. Oisin O’Connor 7. Patryk Grabowski 8. Takechi Oe 9. Conrad Dixon 10. Alan O’Dea 11. Sean Walsh 12. David O’Connor 13. Ciaran Devlin 14. Colin Commins 15. Aaron Hughes
Coaches: Eoin Colgan, Michael McHale, Kenneth Groarke
Referee: Nigel Glennon (Creggs RFC)