Late try leaves ‘Wegians with the Blues

Cork Constitution 26

Galwegians 16

Galwegians suffered an agonising last-gasp defeat away to Cork Con in their final League game of the season which resulted in automatic relegation in the unlikeliest fashion.

It was hard to take for the Blues who for long periods dominated the form team in the top Division, only to self-implode and concede a last-gasp core to seal their fate.

Wegians needed a losing bonus point to avoid the automatic drop, and they started very brightly against their illustrious opponents, who were looking to secure a home semi-final berth. Playing with the aid of a breeze, early pressure from the Blues led to two penalties at the breakdown, which out-half Aidan Moynihan struck well to give them an early 6-0 lead in the first 15 minutes.

Having been on the back foot for the entire first quarter, the hosts eventually got into the game, and their dangerous attacking play finally yielded the first try through captain James Ryan who squeezed over on the left corner to finish in impressive style, reducing the gap to a solitary point.

Wegians soon got back on the front foot, and another Moynihan penalty put them four points to the good. However the Macroom native was to miss two other very kickable penalties before the break, which ultimately proved very costly for the Blues.

Con started with intent in the second-half, using the elements to set up field position. They took the lead for the first time on 50 minutes when hooker Max Abbott rounded off a period of sustained pressure to dot down for their second try on the right, which was converted by Tomas Quinlan for a 12-9 lead.

Things looked ominous now for the Blues, but instead of folding, they showed admirable character to get back into the game and regain the lead just coming up to the hour mark. It came from an excellent try by centre Cormac Brennan, who swerved and evaded several attempted tackles to cross for his side’s only try. Moynihan converted from under the posts to restore a four-point advantage.

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