CREGGS 23 TUAM DEVELOPMENT 12

Despite the scoreline, a depleted Tuam Development outfit put in a mammoth effort in tough weather conditions in Creggs today, and only trailed by 3 points with five minutes of normal time to play, but ultimately left empty handed.

Injuries and other player commitments meant Tuam togged just 17 players and with two players picking up injuries and another receiving a 30th minute red card, it was to their enormous credit that Tuam were well in this game as the clock ticked down.

Nonetheless, a late Creggs try and penalty ensured the home team rounded off the year with an important J1C victory.

A driving maul after just three minutes saw Cian Breathnach McGinn touch down and give Tuam a dream start. Eoghan Kelly added the extras to fire Tuam into a 7-0 lead.

The homeside, buoyed on by a large vocal home support, were back level within five minutes. A chip forward by Michael Holland, was latched onto by Jack Fleming who touched down under the posts for a converted try. A Creggs penalty followed moments later to give them the lead for the first time, 10-7.

Tuam were dealt a huge blow in the 30th minute when they were reduced to 14 players with a straight red. However this did not deter their effort and their defence remained untroubled for the remainder of the half.

A try three minutes into the second half for the homeside signalled Tuam could be in for a gruelling second half but their attitude and effort was to be admired as they immediately responded.

A brilliant restart kick by Kelly saw Tuam regain possession and after a number of phases the ball.was spread out to the wing to Morgan who touched down in the corner. Kelly added the conversion to put 3 between them once more, 15-12.

A sin binning to Creggs in the 56 minute made it a 14 v 14 game for the next ten minutes. Both teams had their chance to add to the scoreboard but the defences remained strong.

Tuam's defensive effort was summed up when Creggs looked to be in for their third try of the day but superb disciplined tackling saw Tuam deal with phase after phase and as a try look certain with Creggs inches from the Tuam try line, the away side somehow managed to overturn the ball and clear their lines.

As the clock winded down, Creggs did get their try and added a penalty as the clock struck 80. However Tuam kept their heads up and kept to the task and it was testament to their trojan effort that they ended the game deep inside Creggs '22.

Breathnach McGinn, who was one of many who had a fantastic game in the Tuam jersey, thought he was in for his second try but the referee ruled he was held up. From the resulting kick out by Creggs, Tuam went again and looked to be in for a certain try with a free man on the wing but Creggs made the tackle and with that the referee blew the full time effort.

Huge credit has to go to all the lads who togged in what were terrible weather conditions. It was a massive effort. Well done lads. Enjoy the well deserved Christmas break.