HISTORY was made in the Warwickshire GAA Mulligan Cup after Rugby Gaels reached the final of the competition for the first time in 12 years.
The Gaels comfortably beat St Joseph’s of Derby at Páirc na hÉireann in the semi-final by 20 points to progress and once again Rugby were indebted to Connor Shaw, who scored his third hat-trick of the season.
Rugby got off to an excellent start when Mike Cremin finished a slick move with a fine goal to put Rugby six points ahead within ten minutes.
St Joseph’s came back into the game with a couple of goals but Connor Shaw’s first goal, and points from Mike Cremin, Sean Breen and Lewis Fairgrieves had the Gaels going in at half-time six points ahead.
The second period saw Rugby start brightly with Conor Shaw adding another goal, with further points from Pat O’Brien, Sean Breen and Mike Cremin.
When the St Joseph’s goalkeeper let in a speculative shot from Pat O’Brien, Rugby’s lead was cut to 15 points but Connor Shaw rattled in a fine goal to complete his hat trick before leaving the field with a severe hand injury.
The Gaels rounded off an excellent day with points from veterans Paul McGrath and Kieran Biggins.
Rugby Gaels Scorers: Connor Shaw 3-1, Mike Cremin 1-5, Pat O’Brien 1-1, Sean Breen 0-3, Lewis Fairgrieves 0-3, P McGrath 0-2, K Biggins 0-1.
