The Claremorris Colts U-16 team didn’t start the New Year as they had intended as they were beaten by Creggs in Round 5 of the Connacht Under 16 League in Creggs on Sunday morning last.

The game began at frantic pace with both teams hoping to lay down a marker and it was the home team who were the first to score. After a Claremorris penalty in their own 22’ failed to make touch, Creggs counter-attacked and after a number of phases they touched down in the corner, to give them an early lead of 5-0. It was only a matter minutes before Creggs doubled the lead as again some poor kicking in the Colts 22’ found the Creggs attack who put the ball through their back line before crossing for their second try, to leave it 10-0 after only 10 minutes.

They was no let up from the hosts as they exploited the weaknesses in the Colts’ defence as they had two more tries on the scoreboard before the half-time whistle, leading 24-0 at the break.

The Colts obviously heard some harsh words from their management team at the break as they came out in the second half a different team. Their tackling was much improved and they managed to get their backs into the game more often during open play. But although the Colts upped their game it was Creggs who got the next try. After a mix up the in Colts’ defence Creggs snuck in under the posts to put the result beyond doubt and lead 31-0.

In the last quarter the Colts got the reward their second half performance deserved as after some fine play by the backs, Danny Barry crossed the white line to get the Colts on the board. Shane Ruane duly knocked over the conversion to leave the hosts leading 31-7. Although they were starting to get on top the Colts had given themselves too much to do as they game finished with a win for Creggs 31-7. The best performers for the visitors were the always-reliable Danny O’Brien, back rower Shane Gilbert and centre Danny Barry.

Team: L. Osborne, J. Vahey, D, Barry, P. Breakell, C. Hennelly, S. Ruane , S. Murphy(c), E. Slattery, J.Cooley, Ja Ruane, D. O Brien, S. Walsh , S. Gilbert, L. Murphy, T. Browne

Subs Used: E Roe, M. Byrne, C. Lavery, A. Ronayne, J. Gallagher, E. Clarke