Men’s Firsts 31 – Sligo 8

Galwegians Men’s Firsts won their opening round of the new season's Connacht senior league campaign with a very impressive bonus point win against defending champions Sligo at a rain and windswept Crowley Park on Saturday. Playing with a strong first half breeze, Wegians went about their business despite the visitors taking an early lead with the fifth minute penalty from Ewan Brown.

Wegians quickly came back when centre Rob Deacy finished off a multi-phase attack on the line with a typical barnstorming score at the sticks. Stevie Mannion converted to make it 7-3.

Although they completely owned possession and territory for the rest of the half, the hosts were struggling to make it pay with opportunities being spurned consistently. A 4 point advantage looked far too thin with half time almost up and the prospect of playing into the elements after the break.

However, ten quick points courtesy of Stevie Mannion put a much healthier complexion on the scoreline. A 38-minute penalty was soon followed by an opportunist try when Mannion scooped up a loose ball and darted over, giving the Blues a healthy 17-3 halftime lead.

With the strong breeze at their backs in the second half, the visitors Sligo went about making a dent in the scoreline. Fortunately, they were unable to make inroads against a superb Galwegians defence, who soaked up everything and played some excellent possession and continuity rugby. The Sky Blues were not only able to break out of their own half, but also to threaten the Sligo line.

The decisive third try came on 15 minutes when new recruit and flanker Johnny Terblanche finished off a series of pick ‘n gos. The impressive Mannion made nonsense of the tricky wind to tag on the conversion and put the Blues almost out of sight.

Galwegians continued to look the better side and with both sides ringing the changes. The young Blues pushed on and Mannion completed a memorable day towards the end when an excellent chip and gather saw him cross on the left and once again split the sticks with his conversion to stretch the lead to 31-3.

Sligo did get a consolation score on the very last play courtesy of scrum half Jacob Fleming, but there was no doubt that the Blues have thrown down a serious marker.

Galwegians hold a slender lead on points scored difference over their arch city rivals Corinthians who they face in a fascinating Derby on Friday night in Cloonacauneen.

Listen to post-match audio comments review. (3 minutes)