Galwegians need to make home advantage count on Saturday when they entertain UCD in a crucial AIB League division one fixture.
UCD and Galwegians are 11th and 12th in the league table respectively, both with four wins to date - although Wegians have a game in hand against Buccaneers - and if the Galway outfit are to ensure they do not drop into the danger zone, this is the fixture they need to win.
The students are always a lively and robust side, and Galwegians will need to play the type of rugby that characterised their second half against Shannon last weekend.
A poor opening 30 minutes proved costly as it was all one-way traffic at Dangan on Saturday. Shannon opened up an 1 -3 first-half lead with fullback Robert O’Beirne, who produced some fine touch kicking, bagging a 53rd minute penalty.
Ivan Muldoon played a captain’s role throughout, ably assisted by flanker Joe Moran and lock Liam Scahill. A 50th minute penalty from O’Beirne closed the gap as the home side upped their intensity, started winning the battle on the floor, and were duly rewarded. A third penalty from O’Beirne closed the gap to just two points, and although the fullback missed another effort, the momentum was with Galwegians.
However it was Shannon who capitalised when the home side turned over possession, and the influential Fiach O'Loughlin sent hooker Mike Essex through for an 18-9 lead on 65 minutes. Galwegians, however, had their chances, but the deserved try never materialised. The referee disallowed John Cleary’s try for a forward pass after some excellent interplay between Moran and Brigl, and when Shannon’s Ritchie Mullane stopped Brian Murphy just short of the line, it ensured no return for the home side.
Corinthians shade it
Corinthians were fortunate to shade their AIB division three clash with Suttonians after letting slip an early 15 - 3 lead.
Having led the division for several weeks, Corinthians nearly came unstuck, and although they have been overtaken by Queens for the No 1 spot, they are still just a point behind for the title race.
Although hit by recent injuries, Saturday’s clash at Corinthian Park will have provided the home side with a wake-up call as they head north to face Portadown on Saturday (with a late kick-off at 5pm ).
Last weekend they enjoyed a flying start and had built up a 15 - 3 lead before half-time, but then struggled to hold on as Suttonians hit back and dominated the second half.
A block down by Cian Begley on Suttonians’ 10 metre line set up Wayne Williams for the opening try, which he converted, for a 7 - 0 lead after just three minutes.
However Suttonians responded with a penalty before fullback Darren Classens crossed for a second try after collecting his own chip, and when Suttonian flanker Finbarr Dowling was sinbinned, Wayne Williams tagged on the resulting penalty.
Leading 15 to 3, a bonus point win looked a formality, but Suttonians never gave up. Centre Alan Dodd scored a fine try after the Corinthians’ cover was caught napping to reduce the arrears to 15-11.
The second half was a dour affair, but crucially Corinthians broke through for Dave Murphy to touch down, and although Suttonians grabbed a second try, it was not enough to stop Corinthians enjoying another home win.
