Galwegians’ winning streak was dashed by a last-minute Bruff try to force a 26-26 draw, following a spectacular second-half comeback from the visitors.
A dramatic last-gasp try from Ethan Anderson spoiled the afternoon for 'Wegians, after the hosts found themselves 26-0 up in the first half.
There was great anticipation behind this fixture, with both sides flying high in AIL Division 2C and 14 points apiece after the opening three games. Galwegians were looking to exact revenge on Bruff after relegating the Blues last season.
Despite a week’s hiatus, Galwegians didn’t appear to have lost their high-scoring form as Finn Tracey struck early, dotting down in the corner just five minutes into the first half. Tiernan Neville has been on top form with his kicking accuracy all season and didn’t disappoint by striking another conversion between the posts to give Wegians a seven-point lead.
Galwegians were kept on their toes after a long spell of pressure from Bruff as Galwegians began racking up penalties and bringing the visitors closer to a score. But the hosts remained defiant and held on, and kept Bruff scoreless for the opening forty minutes.
Instead, Galwegians went through a purple patch after the half-hour mark to increase their lead. Jesse Va’asuaga stormed through to break away into some space, setting up Finn Tracey’s second try of the game. An unfortunate slip for Neville kept the game at 12-0.
Two minutes later, the captain Jack Winters scored under the posts, to put the opportunity of a bonus point in sight, as he held off tackles from three Bruff players to score.
The backs were firing on all cylinders as three minutes before half-time, Hugh Gavin etched his name on the scoresheet, a superb line break enabling him to grab his first of the season and collect the all-important bonus point. Neville rectified his earlier error by scoring two conversions on the bounce.
Bruff’s second-half response proved that they were truly up to the challenge with their opening try of the afternoon coming nine minutes into the second half. Pa Maher got over the line for their first of the afternoon with Sean Kilbridge converting to make it 26-7.
Bruff was well and truly on top, dominating possession in the second half and grabbing their second, this time with Gio Sangiorgi crossing over for the try. The resulting conversion just hit the post, ensuring the score remained at 26-12.
With the clock ticking down, Galwegians' ill-discipline was tested with yellow cards to Oisin Halpin and Hugo Gens. Bruff secured another try with just ten minutes on the clock, this time at the hands of Rob Quigley. A well-taken conversion made it a seven-point game, allowing Bruff to bring the game to a deadlock.
Galwegians’ hopes of victory took another punch with Conor Kyne heading to the bin for ten minutes and the numerical disadvantage would prove pivotal. Ethan Anderson in the dying seconds of the game completed the comeback and scored the final try of the afternoon to cap off an extraordinary afternoon of rugby in Galway.
Galwegians head to Bangor next weekend for round 5 of the AIL Division 2C season, with kick-off on Saturday at 2.30 p.m.
Galwegians:
S Mallon, D Kennedy, F Tracey, H Gavin, O McKey, T Neville, A Sherlock, J Winters(C ), R Smith, G Daniel, R Holian, O Halpin, J Va’asuaga, D Keane, L Angermann
Replacements: C Joyce, C Kyne, E Tarmey, H Gens, R Deacy
