Galwegians continued their winning form at the top of division 1B with their sixth try bonus-point of the season.
Belfast Harlequins were Wegians’ latest victims, and although Galwegians made hard work of this victory, ultimately it was another convincing performance, winning by 31-19.
Although Wegian coach Matt Brown had rested some of his backline regulars, the home side started the better, but fullback Ciaran Gaffney was off target with a long-range early penalty attempt.
The visitors, strengthened with some Ulster squad members, took the lead in the 10th minute with their first meaningful attack of the game. From turnover ball, Quins fullback David McMaster was sent clear to touch down on the left, with outhalf Mark Best converting for a 7-0 lead
It got worse for Wegians when some sloppy possession play cost them in midfield, and from an excellent cross-kick, wing Mark Glover evaded the defence to cross near the right corner for a second try for a 12-0 lead.
A stung Wegians upped the intensity and went on the offensive again with left wing Matt Dever diving in for his side’s opening try.
With a dominant scrum creating the platform, Wegians capitalised from a penalty to touch - lock Marty Cummins finishing off from a maul for his first senior try. Gaffney was again wide with the conversion, giving the visitors a slender 12-10 lead at half time.
Wegians, however, took control in the second half. A great break from prop Doran McHugh and a deft offload fed the supporting Cummins who dived over near the posts for his second try. Gaffney finally found his range with the conversion, and the Blues had their noses in front for the first time in the game at 17-12.
It was a lead they would never relinquish. Wegian substitute outhalf Aidan Moynihan secured the bonus fourth try and converted, before making the game secure with his second in the 73rd minute.
GALWEGIANS: C Gaffney; C Conroy, J Harrimate, R Parata, M Dever; R Shaughnessy, B Lee; J Naughton (capt. ), J Dinneen, D McHugh; B McClearn, M Cummins; M Towey, J Pimm, A Ryan. Replacements: K Kyne, C Gavin, R Moore, B Lee, A Moynihan.
