Connacht clubs enjoy a terrific weekend in All-Ireland League

AFTER a shaky start in round one, Connacht’s Ulster Bank League clubs hit top form at the weekend with all four sides securing wins in challenging fixtures. Corinthians and Buccaneers bounced back from opening day defeats with important home victories, while Galwegians continued their brilliant start as Sligo delivered a bonus point opening day victory for good measure.

The Division 1b table is looking good in particular for Galwegians who have started with two wins from two and secured a brace of bonus points in the process. Sunday’s 29-25 victoy in Shannon was far from comfortable but, once again, the sky blues back line showed speed and prowess to score four tries, that’s eight from the backline in two weeks.

The emergence of Matt Dever as a potent winger is a key storyline so far for the Crowley Park side. He scored again on Sunday and is a key example of one of a number of players to have come through the under 20 and junior set up in the club. Jerome Harrimate had two tries and his form is arguably even better than last season at this early stage.

At Corinthian Park on Saturday, the home side bounced back from a disappointing opening outing away to Ballymena with an impressive 29-25 home win over a highly rated Malone side. A return of five tries to two probably should have yielded more than a four point win and goal kicking remains an issue for the Galway club.

James Buckley marked his return from injury with two tries, back rowers James Connolly and Eoghan Masterson also touched down while replacement prop Jamie Dever added a score for the home side who led 19-14 at half time, but couldn’t put Malone out of sight.

The result of the weekend might have been at Dubarry Park where Buccaneers edged out a strong Garryowen side 25-22, holding firm after a strong second half fightback from the Limerick men. Buccaneers led 18-3 at half time. Conor Fitzgibbon and Gareth Halligan had tries while scrum half Mark Dolan got a third.

This weekend, Galwegians will defend top spot at home to a UL Bohemian side that are yet to hit top form. Corinthians face a difficult challenge away to Garryowen in Dooradoyle while Buccaneers are also in Limerick against a Shannon side still searching for a first win. In Division 2b, Sligo steamrolled a weak Ards 60-5 but will face a sterner challenge in Midleton this weekend.

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