Galwegians 15
Young Munster 10
Galwegians maintained their push for a top eight place in this year’s All Ireland League with a hard-fought win over Young Munster at Crowley Park on Saturday.
In grabbing their fourth victory from seven outings, Galwegians enter the new year in ninth place with 17 points. And with just two points separating them from eighth placed St Mary’s, and another seven from leaders Clontarf, Galwegians still have much to play for when the league resumes on January 17 and a local derby with Buccaneers.
On Saturday Young Munster looked anything but a side that currently occupies lowly 15th place. While their only win in the league to date was over Cork Constitution by 16 - 21, they have run most of their opponents close. They were in determined form at Crowley Park, ensuring a lively contest and one that went to the wire until an ambitious drop goal from replacement fullback Cormac O’Beirne sealed the issue in the home side’s favour.
Galwegians had the edge in both possession and territory throughout the contest, but they found it difficult to break down a well organised Munster’s defence. However Galwegians’ superiority in the scrum proved critical made the difference and paved the way for a penalty try on 25 minutes which outhalf Matt Brandon converted.
Connacht outhalf Kieran Campbell produced some astute kicking to keep Munsters pinned back, but it was a superb covering tackle from winger John Cleary that kept the visitors from scoring until late in the half.
Young Munster hit back with a penalty from fullback Matthew Costelloe when Galwegians were pinged for not rolling away in the tackle, and within three minutes influential outhalf Mike Prendergast scored Munster's only try. Prendergast had put Munsters in possession with a fine touchfinder, and when Galwegians failed to control possession in a scrappy sequence, the outhalf grabbed the loose ball and raced through from 40 metres. Costelloe converted to give the visitors a 10 - 7 lead on 37 minutes.
However Galwegians' hooker Conor Muldoon forced his way over just before the break after some good attacking play to give the home side a 12 - 10 lead at the break.
Although Galwegians always looked the more potent outfit, Young Munster were dogged, and they had the opportunity to go in front in the second half, However Costelloe missed a penalty and drop goal. With Galwegians piling on some late pressure, Cormac O'Beirne sealed the issue with an audacious late drop goal from half way after Young Munster failed to find touch when clearing their lines under pressure.
Galwegians: R O'Beirne; J Cleary, J Hearty, C Brigl, B Lee; M Brandon, K Campbell; J Stephens, C Muldoon, B McGovern, D Nolan, L Scahill, J Moran, I Muldoon, L Casserly, Subs J Lyne for J Stephens, C O'Beirne for R O'Beirne (both halftime ).
Young Munster: M Costelloe; S Carey, C Casey, M Mulvanney, G Carroll; M Prendergast, D Upton; D Hogan, G Slattery, A Cotter, S O'Neill, D Payne (cpt ), B Guilfoyle, S Hassett, M McHugh. Subs J Gilmartin for S O'Neill ( 51 ).
Referee: Darragh McCormack.
