In Pics: Corinthians Overcome Wanderers In Eight-Try Thriller

Wanderers' Jordan Conroy takes on Galway Corinthians full-back Harry Rogers
Just over five months on from their play-off semi-final defeat, Galway Corinthians kicked off the new Energia All-Ireland League season with a 28-26 win over Wanderers.

These two teams had a couple of very close contests last year in Division 2A, and it was more of the same at the Dangan Sportsground on Saturday afternoon.

A late first-half try from flanker Dara Walsh, his second of the game, gave Galway Corinthians a 21-7 lead at the interval, with new winger Aiden Vetjens also touching down.

Wanderers, who fell 28-14 behind, showed their battling qualities, and led by captain Louis McDonough, they fought back brilliantly despite replacement James Kenny's 71st-minute red card.

Harry Rogers' subsequent try, crucially converted by Billy Cross, proved to be the match winner for the hosts, but Jordan Conroy and Seán Sexton both crossed late on to give the Chaps two bonus points.

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Divisions: Round 1 Results Round-Up

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Divisions: Round 1 Review 

Image
Aiden Vetjens reaches out to score for Galway Corinthians

Young winger Aiden Vetjens marked his Energia All-Ireland League debut for Galway Corinthians with a fourth-minute try

Image
Scrum action from Galway Corinthians v Wanderers

Scrum action from Galway Corinthians' clash with Wanderers, which was played at the Dangan Sportsgrounds due to ongoing work on the installation of a 4G pitch at Corinthian Park

Image
Stephen Woods and Dara Walsh contest a lineout

Wanderers flanker Stephen Woods and Dara Walsh, who barged his way over for a brace of tries, compete for a lineout ball

Image
Galway Corinthians hooker Jack Boyan on the charge

Referee John Lillis blows his whistle as a Corinthians break led by hooker Jack Boyan is called back

Image
Former Connacht centre Colm de Buitléar

Former Connacht centre Colm de Buitléar is pictured in possession for Corinthians, who are coached for a second successive season by Ambrose Conboy

Image
Ned Williams in possession for Galway Corinthians

Corinthians winger Ned Williams tries to cut inside Seán Sexton, the scorer of Wanderers' late bonus point try

Image
Galway Corinthians' Ned Williams

During his first season with Corinthians at this level, Ned Williams scored tries against Shannon and Banbridge as they finished fourth in the table

Image
Wanderers second row Mark O'Reilly

Wanderers' Mark O'Reilly, who combined with Simon Burke in the second row, is pictured during the first round encounter

Image
Billy Cross in possession for Galway Corinthians

Young out-half Billy Cross was busy throughout in the playmaking role for Corinthians, while also landing all four of his conversion attempts

Image
Jordan Conroy on the attack for Wanderers

Former Ireland Sevens international Jordan Conroy looks to break away from Corinthians full-back Harry Rogers

Image
Galway Corinthians lock Rory Glynn

Lock Rory Glynn prepares for contact as he makes a carry during Corinthians' hard-fought opening victory over Wanderers

Image
Mark Boyle captained Galway Corinthians for third years

Influential back rower Mark Boyle, who captained Corinthians for three seasons, was sin-binned in the second half along with Connacht's Seán Walsh

Image
Wanderers captain Louis McDonough

Wanderers captain Louis McDonough looks to spread the ball wide, as Corinthians replacement Emmanuel Oifoh closes in on him

Image
Wanderers winger Jordan Conroy

Flying winger Jordan Conroy got on the scoresheet twice, helping Wanderers to pocket a brace of bonus points in the end

Image
Action from Wanderers' clash with Galway Corinthians

Wanderers replacement James Kenny makes a carry during the Division 2A opener at the University of Galway's Dangan facility