Mayo rugby club mauled by Connemara

CONNACHT RUGBY JUNIOR 1A LEAGUE

Connemara RFC 41
Castlebar RFC 3

CLIFDEN
IT was a painful start to the Super 4 series for Castlebar in Connemara on Sunday afternoon. Everyone was aware of
the physical challenge the best defence of the league would pose - and on top of that: Beware of an injured
animal.

Last week Connemara surprisingly lost their Connact Junior Cup semi-final against Dunmore. Unfortunately from Castlebar's point of view, the 'Blacks' were out for blood this time to make up for a below-par performance seven days ago. The comment of a supporter on the sideline summed it up: 'They play much better than last week.”
It was not Castlebar's day and that was clear right from kick off. They got an early penalty but full-back Stephen Rogan's kick with the wind in his back hit the upright and bounced back infield. That was as good as it got for the guests. In very breezy and wet conditions, Connemara had opted to play against the wind first, which suited their style of play.

With powerful carries and slick short passes, playing close to the gain line, they overwhelmed the Castlebar defence. Phase after phase they drove Castlebar back. After four tries in the first 20 minutes, the hosts were 22-3 up and it looked like it could become a very ugly score line for Castlebar.

However, the team from the county town fought back and should have scored a try late in the first half to cut the lead but some ferocious defensive efforts from Connemara frustrated every effort.
The match was essentially over by half-time and Connemara ruthlessly put more points on the board to send a message to the rest of the league: We have bounced back! Castlebar will have to dust themselves down after this drubbing.

Next Sunday, Castlebar will travel to Creggs in the next round.
A full match report and reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News