J1C League Round 2 Match Report
Carrick-on-Shannon RFC 15 – Loughrea RFC 19
Carrick-on-Shannon RFC were narrowly defeated 19–15 by a well-drilled Loughrea side in the second round of the J1C League on Sunday. Despite a determined home performance, Carrick were once again left to rue costly handling errors and penalties that proved decisive in a game they could have won.
Loughrea started the brighter of the two sides, dominating possession and territory in the opening stages. Carrick defended strongly and gradually found their rhythm, working their way into the opposition half after ten minutes. A penalty in front of the posts was calmly converted by Ian McGee to give the home side an early 3–0 lead.
Loughrea continued to press and after a sustained spell of possession eventually found space out wide to cross for their opening try, which was converted to make it 7–3. Carrick hit back almost immediately. Some sharp work through the backs, with good link-up play from Daniel Bosquette and Patrick Charles, brought Carrick deep into Loughrea territory. From a well-worked penalty, Peter Lavin powered over for Carrick’s first try. The conversion drifted narrowly wide, but Carrick went in at half-time with a narrow 8–7 advantage after a strong first-half effort.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, Carrick aimed to push on, but Loughrea’s structure and set-piece strength began to show. A lineout close to the Carrick line allowed the visitors to drive over for a converted try, putting them 14–8 ahead.
Carrick continued to battle hard, showing plenty of heart, but a series of handling errors and unnecessary penalties halted their momentum. Loughrea capitalised again midway through the half, breaking down the blindside and scoring through their winger after a 40-metre run. The conversion was missed, leaving the visitors 19–8 in front.
Carrick refused to give in. Their forwards carried well, and after sustained pressure near the Loughrea line, Declan Kelly crashed over for a deserved try, converted by McGee, to close the gap to 19–15. Carrick dominated the final ten minutes, spending long periods in the opposition 22 and being held up over the line twice, but they couldn’t find the final breakthrough.
Once again, Carrick’s performance was full of effort and commitment, but unforced errors and ill-discipline—issues that also cost them in previous matches—proved decisive. It’s a theme the side will need to address going forward if they are to turn close contests into wins. Still, there were plenty of positives to take from a spirited display, and Carrick now turn their attention to the Shield Final against Claremorris in Ballina in two weeks’ time.
15. Daniel Bosquette 14. Andrew Hewson 13. Patrick Charles 12. Joseph Kron 11. Dean Flanagan 10. Ian McGhee 9. Brian King
1. Ian Cullen 2. Brendan Flannery 3. Shane McGuiness (c) 4. Declan Kelly 5. Peter Lavin 6. Eoin Feely 7. Gareth Barry 8. Denis McCaffrey
Replacements
16. Tom Finch 17. Senan Mooney 18. Barry Convey 19. Jordan Haven 20. Nicodemus Adams 21. Domenico Adams 22. James McNamara
