ÔWegians claim crucial derby win to keep their survival hopes alive

Galwegians 21Buccaneers 15

Galwegians scored a second consecutive Ulster Bank Division 1b win, and never was it more important that they get the better of arch rivals Buccaneers than last Saturday at Crowley Park. It was an enthralling contest with six tries where the lead changed hands five times, and while it was in doubt right up to the final minute, the Blues were the better side and thoroughly deserved their victory.

Captain John Cleary was instrumental in making the breakthrough in the 15th minute with a scintillating run, and a deft offload to Darragh Fanning allowed the stand-in full-back to dive over in the right-hand corner for the opening try and a 5-0 lead.

The Blues were well on top, and with Conor Muldoon firing excellent darts in the lineout despite the difficult conditions, they were really taking the game to the Buccs. The hosts should have scored a second try on 20 minutes when camped on the visitors line, but a loose pass by out-half Dave Clarke was intercepted by Buccs centre Jarrod Bennett under his own posts, which almost led to a breakaway try.

However the visitors did level matters on 28 minutes when a thundering hit on ‘Wegians Brian Murphy by Buccs no. 8 Kolo Kiripati saw the Samoan collect the loose ball and race over to score a try near the left corner. Adam Kennedy was wide with the difficult conversion attempt, leaving the game at 5-all.

But when ‘Wegians influential lock forward Dave Nolan was yellow-carded for backchat shortly afterwards by ref David Keane, the Blues suddenly found themselves on the back foot, and although having played most of the rugby they were lucky to go into the break at level pegging.

However with Nolan still in the bin, the visitors did make their numerical advantage count when they scored within two minutes of the restart, with Kiripati claiming his second try of the game when he touched down at the right corner-flag for a 10-5 lead for Buccaneers.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.