Carrick Seniors go top following nail biting finish.
In a nail-biting home fixture this weekend Carrick RFC took on Portumna in the penultimate match of the league. After two consecutive wins against Tuam and Corinthians, the County Galway club had managed to nudge Carrick from their position at the top of the table into second place and so were on a one point advantage heading into this weekend’s match, with 24 points on the table to Carrick’s 23 points.
With everything to play for, Carrick were in full flow, showing absolute and unswerving dedication to their league campaign. Despite conceding an early try after a Portumna line-out on the 5 metre line, Carrick soon took back the lead with two successive penalty kicks taken by Eddie Weaver at out-half.
A 6-5 lead gave Carrick the edge, and the home side continued to dominate play, blitzing their opponents with pace and accuracy in attack, keeping Portumna in their own half and giving them no opportunity to break through. However, there was to be no hiding behind narrow margins for Carrick, and a penalty for Portumna helped them to find their way back into the game, bringing the score to 6-8 with only ten minutes of play left on the clock.
Carrick kept their heads in spite of the pressure, and the front row experience coupled with some sterling work by the backs enabled them to put their opponents under serious pressure, resulting in a last minute penalty being awarded to Carrick.
There was silence as Weaver prepared to take the kick which would determine the final score, and players and spectators alike held their breath as the ball hit the posts and then slipped over, giving Carrick the three points needed to take the match.
The 9-8 win sees Carrick regain their position at the top of the league table on 27 points, and with only one more fixture to play. Carrick will travel to Dangan in two weeks’ time to take on NUIG in the final match before the play-offs.
Carrick U10’s win their group in Connacht Blitz ( M. Nee)
Carrick-on-Shannon RFC U 10’s travelled to Ballina on Saturday March 5th to take part in the Connacht U10 blitz. Carrick were selected to play in the “Scotland” group with opposition being provided by Gort, Ballinasloe, Portumna and Castlebar (Later withdrew).
First up was Gort who were quickly out of the blocks scoring a try before Carrick had settled into the game. This incidentally was the only try Carrick was to concede in the entire competition. The Carrick players stung by this try started to put phases together and were quickly rewarded with a try of their own. As the Carrick subs rolled on and off Carrick dominated, running out winners by a score of 6 – 1.
Next up was Ballinasloe, who despite some strong defending were unable to cope with the repeated attacks by Carrick before eventually going down 5 – 0.
After the break Carrick took on the Portumna who started more lively with some snipping runs, however this time Carrick’s defence held up without conceding a try.
As the game rolled on Carrick wore down the opposition running in 7 tries without reply.
On the day the entire U10 squad displayed all that is good about underage rugby with fine displays of tackling, rucking and carrying much to the delight of their proud parents who made the long journey west. The availability of such a large number of players on the day, all of whom get to play by use of the rolling sub policy lead to a enjoyable and successful day.
Playing for Carrick was. D. O’Connell, C. Burke, A. Devine, M O’Boyle, S. Mooney, D. Houston, C. Aldridge, L. Aldridge, F. Curley, L. Dunne, C. Bracken, G. Maree/Connaughton, K Gannon, M. Gannon. F. Cullen
Carrick U14’s loose to Ballina in Cup ( B. Kelly)
Carrick U14s travelled to Ballina for the first round of the Connacht Cup on Sunday last. Both teams succumbed to the terrible underfoot conditions on a Ballina pitch which has seen too much rain and winter hardship over the past few months. Flowing rugby this was not, but the stronger Ballina side cranked out their win in business-like fashion.
Carrick’s injury list forced positional changes in the starting 15, with Adam Langan and Eoin McLoughlin joining the pack for the first time, winger Paul Lenehan pulled into second centre & utility back Rory Kelly playing a half on each wing. Despite spotting their hosts 10 early points, Carrick dug deep and made it an evenly matched encounter despite the unbalanced final score.
There were several stand-out performances amongst the 110% effort put in by the 18 players who togged out. Ashley Maziya ran riot around the Ballina forwards as did prop Josh Young who barrelled over for Carrick’s only try. Fullback Adrian Shortt converted.
Under 14s rugby continues on Sunday morning at 10:30AM, with an open invitation to new players – particularly those playing at school – to try it out before the end of the season.
Carrick Ladies ( M. Clerkin)
Carrick ladies team continue to develop their squad and prepare for upcoming challenge matches. Training takes place each Thursday night at 7.30PM in Castlecarra.
New members are always welcome to come along and try it out. For further details contact Michelle on 087 1337212
Carrick RFC News and Fixtures updates
U11 Mini’s play in Connacht Blitz in Buccaneer’s on Saturday March 12th
What better way to spend a Sunday morning / afternoon than supporting your local Carrick RFC Senior and Youths teams. All home matches take place at Carrick RFC pitch in Castlecarra and entry is free of charge.
Keep up to date on all news and fixtures by visiting CRFC website – www.carrickrugbyclub.ie , or follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter or Ultimate Rugby app.