Match Result
- Result: Galwegians Firsts 12 - Greystones 14
- Venue: Crowley Park on Sat Nov 26th 2022
- Competition: AIL Division 2B
Match Report
Galwegians suffered yet another narrow home defeat after running table-toppers Greystones extremely close in this Energia League Division 2B encounter at Crowley Park on Saturday.
Not many outsiders gave the Blues any chance as they took on the runaway leaders, but they gave the Wicklowmen one almighty fright, and a win would not have flattered the Blues who, despite their losing run, are improving game by game.
Wegians had the wind advantage in the first-half. But Stones have a powerful pack and it was the visitors who were applying much of the early pressure, But Wegians took the lead with the game’s opening try midway through the first-half. It came on the end of a strong forward drive, and prop Jack Winters got on the end of it to ground the ball over the line. Darragh Kennedy added the conversion to put his side 7-0 to the good.
This was how it looked like ending at half-time, but the visitors scored a crucial try just before the break when the prolific Killian Marmion got on the end of a move to cross for a try. The ‘Stones out-half converted himself to level the game. This put Stones in a commanding position with the wind advantage, and they made it count in the third quarter. Following some territory and possession, the pressure told and referee Kevin Coffey awarded a penalty try.
With time and the elements on their side, most neutrals would have expected the League leaders to kick on in search of yet another winning bonus point. However this young Wegians team is made of stern stuff and they showed great character and determination, taking the fight to their opponents. With the game entering the closing stages, they got their just rewards when a good backline move saw the ball move through the hands, with winger Shane Mallon crossing out wide for his second try of the season. Unfortunately the wind conditions made the conversion attempt impossible for Kennedy, so the gap was down to two points.
It was just enough for Stones to hang on for a narrow victory, but they know they were made fight all the way. This gives real hope and belief to Brendan Guilfoyle’s young charges, whose next game is away to Wanderers this Saturday 3rd (2.30pm).
