No derby joy for Galwegians
Date Published: {J}
Buccaneers 12Galwegians 6
Cian O’Connell
OVER the years Buccaneers have forged a reputation as being awkward opponents, especially in tough winter battles with Galwegians who are occasionally the gallant losers in these kind of encounters.
Ultimately that was exactly the case once more under the Friday night Dubarry Park lights as Buccaneers, who played nearly an hour with 14 men, eked out a victory that simply owed everything to passion.Not alone were valuable points put into Buccs' Ulster Bank AIL Division 1B account, this triumph also means they will represent Connacht in the semi-final of the Bateman Cup, hosting Garryowen next Saturday.
Initially 'Wegians settled quickly and the visitors scrum power was causing plenty of problems for Buccs. With 22 minutes played the teams were level when Buccs flanker David Heffernan was red carded for appearing to lift hard working 'Wegians centre Brian Murphy off the ground. At that stage it seemed as if 'Wegians, who had looked smart and primed for a battle early on, would claim a critical away success.
Buccs, though, seem to relish when fighting for a cause and with Jack Carty impressing behind a pack that grew in confidence repeatedly making hard yards, it was the locals who seized the initiative. Either side of the interval, Buccs continued to ruck and maul effectively, and the 'Wegians backs were given very few opportunities to display their ability.
Having shown signs of improvement before Christmas, Galwegians were brought crashing back down to earth when UL Bohemians prevailed in Glenina. That meant that the trip across the N6 to the midlands increased in significance and the city men, with front row Ja Naughton, Conor Muldoon, and Jamie Stephens heavily involved, wanted to signal their intent.
With the weather cold and the underfoot conditions greasy, it came as little surprise that forwards would occupy key roles in a match that was always likely to be low scoring. 'Wegians were faring well with Tadhg Leader nailing a second minute penalty, but Buccs responded on nine minutes when Jack Carty's kick was straight and true.
For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.