NIALL Robb says that Creggan are expecting a physical battle this weekend when they play Carey Faughs in the Intermediate Hurling Championship final.

While he believes that Carey will be confident that they can win based on previous clashes, he says that his team have the ability to test the north Antrim side.

“Carey are a big strong physical team. They have good hurlers too. I have always thought they have had good hurlers. They have been beaten in seven finals. They put Cushendun away who were the form team of the championship and league.

“They will be very hard to work with. They beat us by 20-odd points in the league so they will be fairly confident that they can beat us.”

Creggan beat Clooney Gaels in the semi-final, by 4-24 to 3-20.

“It was a topsy turvy game in many ways, but they showed a lot of character to get through the game. We were down five points five minutes into the first half of extra time, but they went on to outscore them 12 to one. They showed character and ability to take scores when they knew they were on. Ahoghill are a very good team. I was very happy. It could have went either way.”

Robb said that the Creggan unit is very strong. They do have county players like Antrim captain Conor McCann, but Robb said the team play as a unit.

“There isn’t one or two players that we rely on. We have a team ethic. Conor would tell you himself it is about the team.”

Creggan have a few lads who are carrying injuries at the moment as many of their players have had dual responsibilities, and that has taken its toll.

Robb explained just what it would mean for Creggan to win this weekend.

“It would be massive. This last year has been tough. For the community it would be massive, though I’m sure it is the same for Carey. It would be good too to give a lift to the footballers as they are going through their championship.

“It is like any club, winning is good for the community. The boys have put the hard work. They are dual players and a lot of them are out four or five nights a week. The win would be a reward for that hard work.”

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