Carrick RFC U16s set the desired start to the season

Injuries and absentees meant that a slightly understrength but competitive Carrick squad took to the field in Gort on Sunday in an attempt to get their 2024-25 League campaign off to a winning start. In the end, they achieved this comfortably with an eight-try performance that had some definite positives.

Carrick scored their opening try in the fifth minute with scrum half Rory McNabola sniping strongly over the line after good work by the Carrick pack inside the Gort 22. Conversion added by full back Jack Foley who went on to convert seven out of eight tries.

Minutes later Carrick capitalised on a lack of concentration by the Gort defence on their goal line and McNabola was on hand to pounce and touch down. 14-0 Carrick. A good scrum from Carrick on the half way line saw the ball end up in the hands of strong running centre Solomon Gleeson who weaved his way through the Gort defence to touch down. 

Gort responded minutes later with a penalty of their own to leave it 21-3 approaching half time. However, Carrick moved further ahead on the half hour when a strong run by Cavan McGourty resulted in the ball ending up with centre Gavin Hewson who ran very confidently to touch down beside the posts to leave it 28-3 at half time.

At halftime Carrick replaced forwards Timothy Tansey and Noel Dowd and wing McGourty with forwards John Boyd, Eli Mulligan and debutant Jayden Jennings on the wing. Carrick picked up from where they left off and captain Theo Gately outpaced the Gort defence to touch down under the posts. 

Two minutes later Jennings scored the first of his three tries after a storming run to the line after good work from Connaughton and Gleeson. In the final ten minutes Carrick ran in another two tries, both very well finished by Jennings  to leave the final score 54-3.     

It proved to be a comfortable win in the end for Carrick but much stiffer tests lie ahead, starting next Sunday September 29, at home to Sligo.

U14: Carrick 55 Ballina  7

Carrick’s U14s played their second 1st Division League game at home on Sunday against Ballina. Cloudy, but barbeque weather and a pitch in pristine condition, made for perfect conditions to play running rugby. After a disappointing outcome in their game against Corinthians a week ago, the Carrick lads were keen to show what they can do and did not disappoint: The first half saw six tries (four converted) answered by one converted try from Ballina in the first half. Carrick continued with their form in the second half with another three tries that were unanswered. A balanced performance between forwards and backs.

U13: Ballina 36 Carrick 22

Carrick’s U13 Boys team were away Saturday for an early morning kick off at Ballina. A very competitive encounter in which Carrick ran in four excellent tries from four different players, evenly distributed across backs and forwards. Ballina pressed very well in defence which Carrick only on occasion managed to exploit out wide. Some superb open field running by Ballina and accuracy off the tee the difference between the teams on the day. Carrick look forward to their next league game away next Sunday against Castlebar RFC.

On site Team store

The Teamwear Sports Company that supplies Carrick RFC with team kit will be present at the Club from 10am to 12 noon this Saturday September 28. All players welcome and to get their team gear.