Galwegians Secure Connacht Bragging Rights
Galwegians left it late to win this all-Connacht AIB League Division One clash at Dubarry Park, with Robert O’Beirn booting the match-winning penalty in the dying minutes.
AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Saturday, February 7
BUCCANEERS 8 GALWEGIANS 9, Dubarry Park
Scorers: Buccaneers: Try: Danny Riordan; Pen: Alan Gaughan
Galwegians: Pens: Robert O’Beirn 3
In what proved to be a stop-start affair, Galwegians took the early initiative and led 6-0 at half-time.
Their full-back Robert O’Beirn book-ended the half with penalty goals while also missing a third attempt.
The visitors made use of a diagonal wind to pin Buccaneers back in their half but Eamonn Molloy’s men lacked the attacking guile to prize open the Buccs defence.
Buccs got a head of steam up for the second half, playing themselves back into contention with Alan Gaughan firing a 59th minute penalty over from the 10-metre line.
Gaughan was unfortunate when he struck an upright with another penalty attempt, five minutes later.
However, Buccaneers’ improved all-round play was rewarded soon after.
Connacht flyer Danny Riordan touched down in the left corner after a well-executed attack that began with a quick tap penalty.
Riordan’s try went unconverted and that missed kick came back to haunt Gaughan and Buccs as during a rare second half attack for ‘Wegians, Buccs came in at the side of a ruck.
O’Beirn, presented with this late penalty chance, did his bit for his team and coolly bisected the posts from a right-sided position.