Galwegians need to take recent momentum into Friday evening's Ulster Bank League fixture when high-flying Nenagh Ormond visit Crowley Park in a re-scheduled match (8pm ).
This game will prove most challenging as Neenagh, coached by brothers Muldoon Ivan and Conor, bring their promotion-chasing team to town.
However Galwegians' coaches Brian McClearn and Gavin Duffy will have been encouraged by last weekend's performance when they arrested a 10-game losing streak and fought back from 17-0 down against Greystones to win by 27-10. It has now given them a fighting chance of moving off the bottom of the division 2A league table as the season enters the closing stages.
Cleary comeback
Wegians, in danger of getting marooned at the bottom of the table, found themselves behind to Greystones after eight minutes when a clearance kick was charged down and ‘Stones winger Jack Keating sauntered home for the opening try, converted by with full-back and captain Andrew Kealy.
Despite facing the elements, Wegians dominated territory and possession but lacked the necessary cutting edge. Instead they tagged on a penalty, and a second try for a 17-0.
However Wegians’ response was excellent as they immediately hauled themselves back into the contest. Having won the restart, an excellent backline move saw passes finally stick, and veteran centre Brian Murphy finished strongly in the left corner for an excellent try. On 35 minutes they added their second try through prop Pa Curran finishing to reduce the deficit to 17-10 at half-time.
It took a huge defensive effort from sub fullback John Cleary, making a comeback from retirement, to stop Keating from grabbing his hat-trick after the resumption, but thereafter Wegianstook full advantage of the favourable wind. Codyre, from a perfect touchfinder, also finished off, taking a sweet pop pass from prop Jason East to scythe through the midfield and score under the posts, and convert.
Wegians capitalised on their dominant scrum to be awarded a penalty try before Codyre struck a penalty to give themselves a crucial ten-point cushion, and also a vital win.
Galwegians XV: Hugh Lane, Bryan Dixon, Brian Murphy, Dave Clarke, Daniel Faulkner, Morgan Codyre, Rory Gaffney, Pa Curran, John Moloney, Jason East, Eoin Tarmey, Marty Cummins (capt ), Callum Torpey, Paul Hackett, Matt Towey. Subs: Martin Fox, Ciaran Wilson, Michael O’Donnell, John Cleary, Eamon Dowling.
