With Ballynahinch and Dungannon drawing on Friday night, Belfast Harlequins’ home victory over Galwegians has put them top of the pile in Division 1B.
This six-point triumph over the westerners represents a fourth successive win for Belfast Harlequins who are motoring along nicely with scrum half Ian Porter taking the plaudits again.
It was Porter once again who accounted for most of the 'Quins points in a match dominated by the conditions. The scrum half kicked four penalties and converted a penalty try for a 14-point personal haul.
'Quins were the dominant side for most of this game and from the kick-off they pressurised the Galwegians try-line. With just three minutes gone, a Porter was on target with a penalty kick from the visitors' 22.
Twelve minutes later Alistair Heatlie was yellow carded after infringing in his own half. Connacht's Matt Jarvis drew the sides by converting the resulting penalty.
Within minutes Jarvis was called into action again and allowed 'Wegians take the lead when the hosts went offside in their own half.
For the rest of the first half, 'Quins pummelled the Galwegians line. 'Quins were awarded a penalty seven minutes into the second quarter in front of 'Wegians posts. Porter added the points to once again tie up the sides.
With five minutes of the half remaining the home side were awarded a penalty try after a series of five-metre scrums. Porter easily converted to leave the half-time score 13-6 to Adam Larkin's men..
'Quins again dominated most of the second half, but only managed two penalties by Porter.
Galwegians rallied in injury-time looking for the losing bonus point, which duly came when lock David O'Hara crashed over. There was just time for Jarvis to add the extras.
The Belfast side's fourth league victory on the trot has given them a one-point lead at the top of the table, ahead of their crucial trip to Dungannon next weekend.
Referee: Paul Haycock (IRFU)
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