Match Result
- Result: Galwegians Firsts 3 - Garryowen 8
- Venue: Crowley Park on Sat Oct 29th 2005
- Competition: AIL Division 1
Match Report
Galwegians took on unbeaten Garryowen in their 3rd encounter in the All Ireland League last Saturday. Conditions in Crowley Park were difficult with a strong wind and heavy rain. 7 minutes into the game Garryowen were awarded a penalty, which was sent wide by Conor Kilroy, who was later given a yellow card for a high tackle. Despite being backed by a strong wind Wegians had to wait until the 15th minute to register a score. Full back Brendun Bartley nudged over a penalty making the score 3 nil. Garryowen failed to register a score until 5 minutes before half-time. Frank McKenna sweetly gathered a line-out and released flanker Paul Neville who went over for a Garryowen try. Conor Kilroy failed to add the two points making the half-time score Galwegians 3 Garryowen 5.
Though Wegians departed two points behind at the break, coach Paul Young will have been satisified with the efforts of Tom Tierney and the impressive youngster Liam Scahill. The ever improving Wegian pack were a handful for the heavier Garryowen eight and continued their high from last weeks game against Shannon.
Garryowen introduced veternan Paul Burke at half-time and the former Irish International was an influential figure using the wind to great effect pinning Galwegians in their own 22 with some good line kicking. In the 54th minute the Galwegian hooker Charles Robinson was replaced by John Burke and subsequently Garryowen introduced their replacement hooker Pat Humphries. In the 74 minute, Burke kicked a glorious penalty straight through the uprights to put Garrowen 5 points ahead.
In the dying moments of the match, Wegians finished the stronger, showing their determination and fitness and were unlucky not to have scored. The Garryowen defence held firm against the sustained pressure from the Wegian pack.
Whilst the final score line did not favour Wegians, their effort was rewarded by gaining a bonus point which will spur them on for their next encounter against Carlow. This new Wegian side continues to show good promise and coach Paul Young will be pleased with their development to date.
