Wegians on brink of going up after big win

LAST Saturday at Crowley Park, Galwegians were at their very best in dispatching the challenge of City of Derry and all but wrapping up their promotion back to the second tier of Ulster Bank League rugby.

Under the guidance of Cory Brown, the sky blues have found a consistent level of top form in Division 2a, the kind of ruthless accuracy that has been missing from the club’s form for a very long time.

They came into the game well aware that City of Derry were in the group of sides chasing second and while the start was sluggish, once they hit their traps in attack, the results were impressive in the 28-12 win.

The two tries were superbly taken. Colin Conroy’s was made by Darragh Leader who came into the line at pace and fixed the defenders before releasing the winger. John Cleary’s break through the centre made Jerome Harrimate’s try later in the half while the pack earned a third try.

The bonus point was sealed after half time with emerging young Connacht academy scrum half Caolin Blade touching down at the side of the post to secure the extras. Promotion should be officially secured in two weeks time away to NUIM Barnhall in north Kildare.

On Saturday, the power and talent in the pack came to the fore. All season the combination of Ja Naughton, Conor Muldoon and Jason East as been a cut above. Dave Nolan is back playing his best rugby in the second row after two disrupted seasons with injury while Eddie Earle at seven is a key man. This is a club ready for a return to second tier rugby.

It was a good weekend all round for Connacht clubs as all four sides won in their respective division. In Division 1b, Corinthians recorded a second bonus point win in as many weeks at home to Dungannon, Buccaneers matched that return away to Shannon, while in Division 2b, Sligo secured a vital away win at Suttonians to ease their relegation fears.

This Sunday, Corinthians travel to Limerick to face Shannon in a fixture that was postponed earlier this year. Phil Pretorius’ side are second and have a seven point advantage over Buccaneers and UL Bohemians. They are 12 back from Terenure College. This will be a chance to take a firmer grip on second at the very least. However, injuries in the back line are making life difficult. 

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