• Corinthians, currently in fifth place in division three, have a real chance to continue their momentum when they host Sunday’s Well at Cloonacauneen on Saturday (2.30pm ). With 14 points, they, like Galwegians, have posted three wins from four outings, while their opponents are currently parked in 15th place with just five points. This is a real chance to continue their move up the table, and one they can be expected to take.
Corinthians juniors play Galwegians in Crowley Park on Sunday (2.30pm ) as the Connacht Junior 1 League returns to action this weekend. Corinthians are well positioned in the league in second place, and an exciting game is expected between these two rivals.
•Rugby clubs in the province will be given the opportunity to attend a special Masterclass with Connacht Rugby players. To be in with a chance to win, clubs must purchase 20 or more adult tickets for Connacht v Scarlets on January 9 by e-mailing [email protected], quoting Masterclass. Clubs will then be entered into the draw to win the Masterclass for up to 20 over 18 members of the club. According to Anne Hogan of Magners League many Magners League players started off playing and learning their skills in their local clubs. “Without these clubs, the league would not be of the standard it is today, and for that reason we are really grateful to them.” Fiona Keys of Connacht Rugby says everyone at Connacht Rugby, and especially the players, value the support of its fans. “Through this Masterclass competition we hope that we can give back to our local clubs and thank them for their support.”
• Corinthians and Sligo served up an entertaining u-16 league match in awful conditions on Sunday. Sligo, playing with the wind, took the game to Corinthians, but were unable to breach their line, and instead Corinthians grabbed a foothold in Sligo’s half with centre Rob Tormey getting in for a try and a 5-0 half-time lead. Sligo kept the ball in hand against the wing and were rewarded with two tries to edge 10 - 5 in front. However Corinthians piled on the pressure and from one such attack Ronan Molloy broke from the pack to force his way over for a try. With the wind now gusting at its strongest, Cian Hynes stepped up to kick a great conversion from about 15 metres in from the touch line. This was to be the final score in the game which finished Corinthians 12 Sligo 10.
• Connemara claimed the honours in their u-14 league fixture with Corinthians by 5 - 7 on Sunday. Connemara controlled the opening period and after 10 minutes were rewarded with a try from their No 8, who also converted. Corinthians responded when Chris Cahill crossed the whitewash, but failed to convert. After the break the two went head to head in an exciting 30 minutes of rugby, and both had their chances. However defences held firm and it was Connemara who grabbed the spoils.
• Fixtures: Sunday, Junior League division 1A: Corrib v Loughrea; Tuam v Creggs; Galwegians v Corinthians; Monivea v Ballina; OLBC v Buccaneers; Junior League division 1B: Ballinrobe v UCG; Dunmore v Connemara; West Offaly Lions v Portumna; Gort v Ballinasloe; Junior League division 2 north: Corrib v Sligo; Creggs v Tuam; Westport v Castlebar; Junior League division 2 south: Galwegians v Monivea; West Offaly Lions v Buccaneers; Loughrea v OLBC.
