Carrick Seniors set for Connacht decider as U13s reach provincial decider

The eagerly anticipated J1C cup final between Carrick and Tuam is set to ignite the local rugby scene on Sunday, April 21, when they meet in Creggs at 2.30.

Following a hard fought victory against Creggs, Carrick are primed for a showdown against an impressive Tuam side. Under the astute leadership of Stephen King, Tom McGuinness, and Brady Whyte, Carrick are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. Supporters are urged to rally behind the Shannonsiders as they strive to clinch the cup.

U17: Sligo 10-6 Carrick

Carrick's U17s exited the Connacht Cup at the weekend losing away to Sligo in the semi-final. The first half saw Carrick enjoy the lion's share of possession aided by a strong cross field breeze. Both teams struggled with the wet conditions resulting in stop-start action. 

The net result was two converted penalties by Peter Moran, leaving Carrick 6-3 ahead at the break. Sligo came out strongly in the second half, scoring a try from a penalty close to the try line.  The remainder of the half turned into an arm wrestle with defences on top.

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Carrick had their chances with multiple entries into the Sligo 22 but they failed to convert leading to their first defeat of the season in competitive action. While the result was disappointing,  the team have progressed significantly this season and will look forward to next year's campaign.

U13: Carrick 15-12 Galway Bay

A nail biter, a test match, a clash of Titans – call it what you want but Carrick edged the U13 Bank of Ireland Connacht Cup semi-final on Saturday against an extremely well drilled Galway Bay team.

There was not much between these two teams with both  having agile and pacey finishers who could score from any phase if they were left unchecked as was the case for the opening try by Galway Bay, duly converted.

Carrick answered soon with an unconverted try and the first half saw both teams scoring another try each to make the half time score 12-10 to Galway Bay.

Playing with the wind in the second half, Carrick had the edge in terms of possession, but like classic test match rugby Galway Bay's strong and aggressive defence made it hard work for Carrick who had to recycle and go again and again without being rewarded with a try until five minutes before the final whistle. 

A clever kick out wide after fierce defending by Galway Bay saw Carrick getting over the line to make it 15-12. With 3 minutes to go, Galway Bay kicked a clever kick into Carrick’s in goal area, but Carrick managed to pick it up under pressure and exit from their 22 with a long kick and good follow up work and pressure saw Carrick being rewarded with a scrum.

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From here, Carrick managed to retain possession to see the game out with a narrow 15-12 win to book their place in the Connacht Final at the Dexcom Stadium on Sunday April 28.

A nail biter played by two accomplished teams who played in good spirit. Brilliant performance by Galway Bay, who could have walked away with a win had it been their day – all at Carrick RFC wish them and their coaches the very best for next season.