Cleary grabs brace of tries as Galwegians end losing streak

Galwegians 30

Garryowen  17

Galwegians produced one of their best performances of the season to overcome play-off contenders Garryowen at Crowley Park on Saturday. This was a badly-needed win for Matt Brown’s charges, and they certainly delivered under pressure to end a four-game losing streak in the League.

The game was played on soft ground following some heavy overnight downpour, but fortunately the rain held off for almost the entire game. Wegians started with intent and they had the first opportunity to put points on the board when awarded a 6th minute penalty, but out-half Shane O’Leary‘s difficult attempt was dragged wide by the strong breeze.

The Blues continued to dominate the opening exchanges, and they deservedly hit the front in the 11th minute. It followed some free-flowing build-up play which saw centre Api Phewhairangi make a break before setting up no. 8 Anthony Ryan, who dived over near the right corner flag for the opening try for a 5-0 lead.

The visitors reduced the margin before the first quarter was up when a third consecutive scrum penalty was awarded by referee Sean Gallagher, and scrum-half Neil Cronin took advantage to split the posts to cut the gap to 5-3.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.