Match Result
- Result: Galwegians U20 29 - Buccaneers 32
- Venue: Dubarry Park on Sun Oct 7th 2018
- Competition:
Match Report
Dubarry Park was the venue for this hotly contested JP Flanagan Under 20 League Qualifier. The home side running out eventual winners in a nine try thriller.
Opting to play with a strong wind at their backs the home side applied all of the early pressure. Galwegians weathered the storm well but exiting their own half proved difficult in the conditions.
The home side eventually capitalised on good field position and went in 22-5 to the good at half time. Galwegians’ try came from impressive centre Barry Walsh in the right corner.
With the wind at their backs in the second half Galwegians started to put some phases together in the opposition’s half and a wonderful set piece move saw left winger Neil Mulcahy get in for a try after a sublime pass from out half Dylan Hamill. Galwegians started to dominate up front and a few barnstorming carries by impact sub Abdullah ‘Terry’ Abayoni set the wheels in motion for the comeback. Two tries in quick succession from right wing Ewan Heapes and impressive open side flank Ciaran Gleeson drew the score level at 22-22.
Buccaneers were not done, the home side hit a purple patch mid way through the second half scoring a converted try and penalty to give themselves a ten point cushion with five minutes left. From the ensuing kick off Wegians forced a turnover and good hands put Heapes in for his second try which was duly converted by Hamill. Unfortunately for the Galway club time was not on their side and try as they might they could not fashion another score in the dying moments.
The small crowd in Athlone were treated to some high quality rugby on the day. Buccaneers now progress to Division 2 while Galwegians have another bite of the cherry away to Navan RFC next Sunday. The winners will also play division 2 rugby for the season.
