Jump to main content

Menu

Energia

Cleary Helps Galwegians To Vital Win

Cleary Helps Galwegians To Vital Win

All four away teams won in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League on Saturday, with Galwegians’ triumph at UCC lifting them off the bottom of the table.

Galwegians have swapped places with Bruff following their Cork success, which was founded on a two-try second half performance.

John Cleary, one of Ireland's recent Club International heroes, came through a late fitness test to the lead the Galwegians team.

Google Ad Manager – 300×250 – In Article

And the left winger had a vital contribution with two tries, including a late intercept score which sealed the victory for his side.

It was all UCC in the early stages as they dominated both territory and possession, with a ‘Wegians mistake allowing hooker Andrew Cudmore in for the opening try.

Out-half Johnny Holland, who kicked well in open play, added a penalty to his conversion for a 10-0 buffer.

It was Galwegians' cue to raise their game and pressure on the home defence yielded a try for the ever-alert Cleary under the posts. Out-half Tadhg Leader converted but missed a late penalty chance to level the sides.

Two missed penalties dented UCC's confidence in the third quarter and a well-taken try from number 8 Dermot Murphy edged ‘Wegians into a 14-10 lead.

The visitors’ powerful scrum was beginning to wield some influence and after Cleary’s second converted try, their defence held firm to prevent UCC from picking up a losing bonus point.

Now only three points separate sixth-placed UCC (24 points) and bottom side Bruff (21), with Galwegians (23) in between them.

Whoever finishes bottom next week will face a promotion/relegation play-off against the fifth-placed team in Division 2.

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)