U15s 19 – Corinthians 10

Galwegians U15s secured their place in the Connacht League Final after an impressive performance and thoroughly deserved win over local rivals Corinthians at Crowley Park on Sunday.

This was a replay following last week’s exciting 17-all draw at Cloonacauneen. Having lost the toss, Wegians started this tie on top aided by a stiff breeze.

After a few shaky scrums the pack finally got their act together and began to dominate the opposition. However some early opportunities were squandered through wrong decision making, one or two handling errors and not least due to a dogged Corinthians defence.

Full-back Tiarnan Leen missed a chance on 15 mins to open the scoring for Wegians with a penalty on the 22. Although narrowly wide, it proved a blessing in disguise for the Blues. This was followed up from the restart with some great forward play from Wegians which eventually resulted in second row Jack Lynott crashing over the line for an unconverted try to make it 5-0.

Wegians secured possession again from the restart and after a sustained period of possession over and back the pitch the ball was eventually turned over by Corinthians deep in their own 22.

From the resulting clearance kick, Galwegians hooker Luka Peikrishvilli gathered the high ball superbly and set up a good ruck with fast ball which scrum half Colin Counihan shifted immediately out wide. Great hands through the backline resulted in full-back Leen crossing the line out wide 10-0. A superb conversion from near the touch line by left wing Fabien Fleetwood made it 12-0 approaching half time.

Corinthians managed to gain possession from the restart and they gave themselves a lifeline. After some great forward play and despite some unbelievable defence from Wegians which initially kept them out, the Cloonacauneen men eventually crossed the line through No.8 Charlie Leonard to leave the half time score 12 - 5.

Now facing the stiff wind for the second half, Wegians needed to up their game considerably which they did with real purpose. They completely dominated both possession and territory for most of the half aided greatly by man of the match for the second week running Aidan Crowe. Fresh from his hat-trick of tries the previous week, the big second row made some incredible line breaks which kept any hope of a Corinthians fight-back at bay.

Eventually on 50 mins and after patient playm Wegians centre and captain Callum Brown touched down under the posts for a 7 pointer to leave the score at 19 – 5, and the game was well and truly up. However great credit to Corinthians who refused to lie down, and they hit back with a late consolation score again from the hugely impressive Charlie Leonard to complete his brace of tries.

However there was to be no denying Wegians who now face Buccaneers in the Division 1 League Final this Sunday 10th Feb (1.30pm ko) in Ballinasloe RFC.