Table toppers Galwegians continue to set strong pace in Division 1b

AT the outset of the All Ireland League campaign there was a genuine fear that at least a couple of Connacht’s four All Ireland League sides might be in for a difficult year but after a third of the season, those concerns seem unfounded.
Leading the way in Division 1b are Galwegians after a brilliant start to the season.
Also in that division, Corinthians and Buccaneers have not had flawless campaigns but both clubs are showing encouraging signs of improvement in recent weeks and look set for strong mid-table campaign.
That leaves Sligo in Division 2b and they are in the top four after their best ever start to an AIL season.
At Crowley Park last Saturday Galwegians recorded win number six from seven, beating an in-form Malone 34-25 and scoring six tries in the process.
Emerging young star Conor Lowndes notched two after starting on the wing, former Irish Under 20 Ciaran Gaffney got one on his first start, with Colin Conroy, Ja Naughton and Matt Dever also touching down.
This Saturday, Galwegians host Belfast Hareqluins who are currently bottom of the table and struggling for form. The competition for places combined with the fact that they have the league’s number one attack augurs well for the Sky Blues who extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points after Ballymena lost for a second time in a row, away to Garryowen.
Buccaneers are up to fourth after fighting back from a 13 point half time deficit at home to Dublin University to earn a share of the spoils. Young Connacht academy hooker Shane Delahunt got in on the scoring as did Gareth Halligan with Jacob Walsh getting the third try in the 20-20 draw. The Midlanders travel to Limerick to face ninth placed Ul Bohiman this weekend After a frustrating weekend in the city derby, Corinthain bounced back last weekend with a 26-15 home win over Belfast Harlequins and recorded their first four try bonus point of the season with tries from Joey Merrigan, Conor Murphy, Darin Classens and Eoghan Masterson.
The consistency of last season has deserted them of late but they are still picking up key results when the backs are to the wall. A difficult away tie with Dublin University is next on the cards before the three week recess.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.