Mens Firsts 25 – Wanderers 21

Galwegians claw back a narrow victory vs Wanderers

A fantastic defensive effort in Crowley Park saw Galwegians fight back to get their first All-Ireland Division 2B win of 2023 surviving a last play onslaught from Wanderers.

Wanderers get the game under way with Galwegians showing great intent right from the start with fantastic line speed in defence putting the visitors under great pressure.

Galwegians turned up the heat in attack carrying hard towards the line sucking in the Wanderers defence before going wide a show and go from centre Rob Deacy saw him cross the line for the first try of the afternoon, out half Jordan Thompson pulling the kick to the left and wide.

Wanderers didn’t take long to find an answers. A well taken line out transferred into a strong rolling maul which earned them a penalty meters from the line. A quick tap and go continued to push the Galway men back. To make matters worse Galwegians prop Diego Vergara was sent to the bin for repeated infringements at the breakdown. Galwegians were eventually worn down Aaron O’Callaghan pushing over to equalise, Fitzgibbons with the conversion to give Wanderers  the lead 7-5.

Wegians keep their heads continuing the aggressive line speed and really putting Wanderers under pressure in both attack and defence but Wanderers soon extend their lead the maul proving too much for Wegians as the visitors go over for a second, the conversion is good.

With Galwegians now on the back foot, player coach Brendan Guilfoyle increases the uphill battle a deliberate knock on sees Galwegians back to 14 men.

Wanderers now in full continue to press forward but Wegians withstand. The home side trail 14-5 at the half time whistle.

Wegians start the second half with all the answers, fighting their way into the Wanderers half to draw first blood. Thompson slotting a penalty to reduce the deficit to six.

Wegians return the kick off Wanderers gather and attempt to do the same but prop Vergara blocks down the ball pops up nicely a simple pass cuts out the Wanderers defender to see Deacy touch down for his second, Thompson making no mistakes this time round Wegians lead 15-14.

Wegians now with their backs up put in a great kick chase following restart putting Wanderers under all sorts of strain forcing a turn over. Thompson looks towards the posts and converts the penalty. Wegians extend their lead 18-14.

Galwegians continue to build, great hands from Agbo and strength from Shayne Bolton fighting off three defenders to get himself on the score board. Thompson makes sure of the kick.

Wanderers answer showing their determination, strong carries from the pack breaks through the Wegians line to cross the white wash  Fitzgibbons adds the two points, 21-25

A tense final quarter with Wanderers refusing to give up camping inside the Galwegians 22, a high tackle from Sherlock saw Galwegians a man down once again as they looked towards the final minutes. With the clock in the red Wanderers came again phase after phase but great goal line defence from Wegians and Wanderers are held up on the line.

Thompson had an opportunity to close off the game with the goal line drop out but he hits straight to touch giving Wanderers one last chance with a five meter scrum and Galwegians are right back where they left off, soaking hit after hit until finally a turn over.

 Thompson kicks it out to finish off what could  only be describe as a nail biting finish.

Galwegians remain in 9^th place as they face AIL 2B leaders Greystones next weekend in Dr Hickey Park.