Claremorris Colts shine at Connacht Blitz

The Claremorris Colts U-9 team were in top form at the weekend and displayed some outstanding rugby skills at the Connacht Rugby Blitz in Westport on Saturday morning.

The Colts were well represented on the day, with 16 players turning out for duty. The players were split into two teams and sent out by their coaches to do the Club proud and most importantly, enjoy the day.

With the sun shining and the shadow of Croagh Patrick as a backdrop, Team I of the Colts put in some excellent performances throughout the day. Their first game was a tight affair against Creggs of Roscommon, with both teams giving it their all, to get their first win of the day. There were some fine performances in this game, predominantly from Mark Gibbons and Mathew Vahey. Game two was another close affair against the men from the west of An Ghealtacht. In a close game it was the team from west Galway who came out on top, however the Colts’ tackling in this game was of the highest order, especially Aisling Hahessy, Matthew McGuinn and Conor Og Dennedy.

After a short break, the players played their last game against the local boys of Westport. The match turned out to be a titanic struggle and the Colts players can be proud of their display in this close tie, in particular Evan O’Brien, Daniel O’Connell and Conor Toughey.

The second Colts team had an even busier schedule than their counterparts, as their fixtures meant they had five games to play. First up was a game against Westport and it proved to be a see-saw battle, with Adam Vahey and Kyle Leonard to the fore. Game two saw the Colts up against the Roscommon club Creggs. The Colts managed to score well when the opportunities presented themselves. Most impressive in this game were Eoin O’Connor and Darragh Joyce. Game three was against Westport B and the Colts had a number of notable performances in this game. Another win ensured it was three wins from three games for the Colts. The players who caught the eye were Patrick Kirrane and Christian Hession.

The penultimate game saw the Colts claim a hat-trick of wins against Westport as they beat Westport C in a one sided game, with the Colts running in a number of scores. All of the Colts players gave it their all and the players who shone were Cathal Joyce and Cian Quinn. The final game saw the Colts play their near neighbours from Ballyhaunis in a game that was high in both quality and endeavour. Colts who came out on top and ensured they won all five games that they played.

When the games were done and dusted all teams were presented with medals by the President of Westport Rugby Club. Well done to all players and coaches who participated in a hugely successful day. Finally well done to Westport RFC who organised a thoroughly enjoyable event.

Colts Team: A Hahessy, M McGuinn, M Gibbons, C Og Dennedy, M Vahey, E O’Brien, D O’Connell, C Toughey, A Vahey, K Leonard, E O’Connor, C Quinn, P Kirrane, C Hession, C Joyce, D Joyce

Coaches: P Cunnane, E McLoughlin, M Toughey

See photos from the day under our Mini rugby tab or click the link below.

https://www.claremorrisrfc.com//u9-connacht-blitz-in-westport/

Colts Host Home Blitz

While the U-9 team were in action in Westport, the remainder of the underage teams from Claremorris Colts RFC were enjoying a blitz on home soil. The Colts welcomed teams from Ballina, Ballyhaunis and An Ghaeltacht to the Mount St Michael Convent pitch on Saturday morning.

In glorious weather conditions, the U-10, U-11 and U-12 sides put on some fine displays of rugby and did extremely well against their counterparts from the two visiting Clubs.

In the U-10 category, best for Claremorris were Cian Goggins and new players Tommy Ruane and Harry Freeley. The player who shone on the day for the U-11 team was Dimitry Trench. In the U-12 team, Liam Walsh and Oisín Hunt showed some spectacular displays of rugby, particularly when it came to tackling the opposition.

An immensely enjoyable morning was topped off by a fine selection of refreshments at the Claremorris pitch and the Club would like to thank the parents who helped out on the day.

This Saturday morning, March 12, it’s back to training for the mini rugby teams in Claremorris. Training is at 11am at the Convent pitch and players are asked to be togged out and ready for action by 10.55am.