Thirds 25 – Ballinasloe 10

The thirds go back to back in Ballinasloe. Still fresh in the mind would have been a heavy defeat at the same ground just a few weeks ago but Friday night all was rectified. Under the lights for the first time this winter Wegians played some super football.

Eoin O'Mahony got the scoreboard ticking by kicked a penalty in the early goings. Wegians played all the rugby in the first half and were disappointed to have not put more scores on the board after such dominance as O'Mahony’s penalty was the only score of the half. Wegians had a try disallowed from Joe Kerins after it was called back for a forward pass and the forwards put together numerous phases within striking distance of the chalk but failed to convert. A 5m Ballinasloe defensive scrum brought an interesting development to the game when the flood lights failed! With the clock at 37min both sides decided to call it half time.

A break of 15 min brought the flood lights back to life and with that the second half kicked off. Eoin got the first points of the half with a penalty to bring the score to 6-0 . Kieran Kett after coming on at half time (no doubt refreshed after his recent holiday and keen to get back in the action!) scored Wegian’s first try off the night with a quick pick and go to slide in to the right of the posts. The extras were added by Eoin to give Wegians some breathing room.

Dave Derham's lineout skills provided an excellent platform for Wegians to attack all night. The play of the night came from a lineout on the Ballinasloe 22 where Dave fed the lineout for the pack to take and drive 10m. The ball was taken by Colin Flannery from the back of the maul and crashed the ball up, sucked in two defenders and offloaded in the tackle. The back line then worked the greasy ball out the line to Colm McGovern where he proceeded to plough over the last man for a try.

This spell clearly rattled the Sloe and shortly after the restart Flannery punished them again with a try. Eoin added two more to give leave the score 25-0 to Wegian’s. Ballinasloe had some conciliation when they scored in the corner and at the death added another when they blocked down of a clearance kick and an eager ballinasloe back got a favourable bounce. Overall Wegians deserved the win and with their growing squad numbers, momentum and confidence they won’t fear the visit of Westport on the 4th of December.

The man of the match: This week goes to Matt Towey. He was fearless, ruthless and efficient around the park. All the characteristics you want in your flankers and his performance earned him the thirds magic tankard for this week.

The toilet seat: For wearing a beautiful number from the spring/summer catalogue of tag shorts, Paddy Dollellan takes the prize. Don’t worry Paddy as it was a away game we have rescheduled the fitting of the toilet seat for early December, remember to bring a matching handbag!