Galwegians and Buccaneers clash on Saturday (2.30pm ) in a crucial Ulster Bank League fixture at Crowley Park.
With Wegians needing the points to give them any hopes of avoiding a relegation play-off, and Buccaneers sitting comfortably in second position, there is much at stake. On form the odds would favour the visitors, but Galwegians' greater need will ensure this is a typical competitive derby match.
Galwegians will have been boosted by last weekend's 25-15 victory over Bruff - only the third of this season's campaign. It has certainly given them a glimmer of hope in their bid to stave off a relegation play-off, moving them within four of nearest rivals Dungannon.
Boosted by the return of Ronan Loughney at tight-head, Dermot Murphy, who packed down at his former schoolboy position of No 8, and Tiernan O’Halloran in his first start for the club this season, Galwegians produced a two late tries to secure this vital win at Kilballyowen.
Wegians responded to an early soft Bruff try with two penalties from outhalf Tadhg Leader, who was forced to retire on 30 minutes, but the hosts edged ahead with a long-range penalty from Tony Cahill. However with the breeze behind them, Wegians went on the attack right from the restart and were rewarded when two powerful scrums had the home pack backpedalling resulting in a penalty try in the 45th minute. Captain John Cleary landed the conversion to put the Blues 13-8 in front.
Bruff, however, proved gritty opponents, dominating both possession and territory, and it took some committed and resolute Wegian defence to deny the Limerickmen for a long period. The pressure eventually told in the 73rd minute when a quickly tapped penalty near the posts resulted in flanker John Shine grabbing their second try, which Cahill converted to give Bruff a two-point lead.
Wegians responded immediately with winger Darragh Fanning claiming the restart, and this created the platform for the Blues to attack the home defence. The key moment came seconds later when centre O’Halloran suddenly found himself in space near the 10 metre line, and a jinking run and superb turn of pace left three defenders for dead as he dived over near the right-hand corner.
Cleary’s conversion was wide leaving Wegians just 18-15 in front, and although Bruff tried everything to regain the initiative, Wegians closed the game with another try from a John Cleary turnover. A cross-kick by Clarke was collected by Brian Murphy who ran in under the posts for the killer third try, denying Bruff a losing bonus point and bringing Wegians to within four points of the nearest team above them, Dungannon.
Galwegians XV: L Bibo; D Fanning, T O’Halloran, B Murphy; J Cleary (cpt ); T Leader ( D Clarke 30 ), B Lee ( R Dillon 67 ); J Naughton (J Stephens 73 ), C Muldoon, R Loughney; D Nolan, B McClearn; L Scahill (D O’Hara 70 ), I Muldoon, D Murphy.
Connacht domesitc news
Connacht Rugby Results, Heineken Junior Cup, Buccaneers 15 Galwegians 12. Cawley Cup, Ballina 26 OLBC 8. Junior Division 1A, Loughrea 7 Castlebar 6. Junior Division 2A, Sligo 46 Ballina 0; Monivea 5 Buccaneers 3; Tuam 29, Corinthians 7. Junior Division 2B, Castlebar 10 OLBC 20. U-17 Cup, Ballina 14 Westport 32.
Connacht Rugby Fixtures, Friday: Junior Division 2B, OLBC v Galwegians (7.30pm ). Sunday (Feb 27 ). Junior Division 1A (all matches 12.30pm ), Corinthians v Ballina; Corrib v Monivea; Westport v Tuam , at Westport; Sligo v Castlebar; OLBC v Galwegians; Loughrea v Ballinrobe. Junior Division 1B (all matches 12.30pm ), Connemara v Ballinasloe; Dunmore v Buccaneers; Portumna v Ballyhaunis ; UCG v Carrick; Creggs v Gort. Junior Division 2A (all matches 3pm ), Corinthians v Creggs; Ballina v Monivea; Buccaneers v Tuam. Junior Division 2B, Westport v Corrib 2.30pm; Ballinasloe v Castlebar 2.30pm. U-17 Cup (matches 12 noon ), Loughrea v Sligo; Westport v Corinthians; Monivea v Galwegians at TBC,; Buccaneers v Creggs at TBC. U-15 Cup (matches 12 noon ), Galwegians v Buccaneers; Westport v Loughrea; Corinthians v Ballinasloe.
