U17B 32 – Ballinrobe 29

Galwegians U17Bs, made up predominantly of U16s as they prepare for the upcoming Cup campaign, won an absolute ding-dong battle against Ballinrobe on the OLBC pitch in Newcastle on Sunday.

Wegians got off to a slow start against the bigger visitors who got on the scoreboard with the first of their 5 tries on the day. 0-5

Wegians, playing with a strong breeze, got themselves back in the game as they spread the ball wide for wing Kevin McDonnell to score. 5-5

Robe bounced straight back and scored their second try after some excellent rucking and mauling. 5-10

Once again the sky blues got themselves back into the match after some good work from the forwards, allowed prop Jo Ugbo to crash over. 10 - 10

Wegians were now playing confidently, and were moving the ball extremely well and eventually the pressure led to a try from No. 8 Kieran Joyce. 15-10

The game kept swinging from one end of the pitch to another and once again Ballinrobe took the lead after an intercept. 15-17

Ballinrobe looked to be in complete control just after half-time when they moved into a 9 point lead after another good try. 15-24

However Galwegians gathered themselves very well and bounced straight back when wing James Mitchell made a slashing run to score a try. 20-24.

With their tails well and truly up, and holding onto the ball very well, the Wegians excellent handling created more space for Conor Healy to run in a try from distance. 25-24.

With the match in the balance, Wegians held their discipline well, controlled possession and worked their way upfield for Joyce to score his second under the posts which was converted by replacement scrumhalf Ian Heffernan. 32-24.

However Robe showed their mettle and fought their way back to get the final score of the game with the last play but it was too late to deny the home team an excellent victory. 32-29.