Match Result
- Result: Galwegians Firsts 13 - Blackrock 19
- Venue: Stradbrook on Sat Nov 2nd 2019
- Competition: AIL Division 2B
Match Report
Galwegians came away from Dublin with a losing bonus point after a second-half fightback saw them come up just short against their hosts, the undefeated Blackrock College in this Energia AIL Division 2B game on Saturday. This was a third straight defeat for Wegians, however there was much to admire in their performance and things to build on for head coach Andrew Browne.
Rock started well and played with a strong first-half breeze. They made their advantage count and went into a 16-0 lead leading up to half-time, thanks to a converted try and three penalties from Peter Quirke. Despite this scoreline the Blues were defending reasonably well, with two of the penalties coming from the halfway line.
The Wegians pack was competing well however, with a solid set-piece which was causing the hosts some trouble. They gave themselves a lifeline just before the break when some good forward play and a series of pick and goes was finished off by no. 8 Kieran Downey, reducing the margin to 16-5 at the break.
In the second-half the Blues took the upper hand, and despite the horrible wet conditions they now had the wind at their backs. They set up camp deep in opposition territory and midway through the third quarter, they got right back into it with a second try from Downey, who again finished off some hard work from his pack with another pick and jam. Unfortunately the conversion was off target, but at 16-10 it was very much game on.
Wegians let their hosts somewhat off the hook shortly afterwards when they were reduced to 14 men, and Rock took advantage to extend their lead to 19-10 with another penalty. However when back to a full complement, the visitors got back to bonus point territory when out-half Ewan Strang landed a penalty. This set up a grandstand finish, and Wegians had a late chance with an attacking lineout, only to cough up possession. With that the chance of snatching victory was gone.
Next up for the Blues is a home tie against Malahide who they will meet for the first time ever in the AIL on Saturday at Crowley Park, kick-off 2.30pm.
