‘Wegians Pip UL In Tight Tussle
UL Bohemians came up short against Galwegians on Saturday as they began life in All-Ireland League Division 1B on a losing note.
It was by no means a classic at Thomond Park but the home side were happy to be in front at the interval, leading by 7-3.
Full-back John Cleary opened the scoring with a penalty for 'Wegians after 13 minutes, firing over from 30 metres out.
But UL Bohemians centre and captain Martin McPhail showed his colleagues the way when he sprinted over for the game's opening try after 29 minutes. UL showed good patience in the build-up, going through seven recycles before McPhail found a gap.
McPhail's effort came from good build-up play involving a number of players. He crossed close to the points, handing new out-half Stuart O'Flanagan an easier conversion.
O'Flanagan missed a straightforward penalty from in front of the posts as UL tried valiantly to build on their lead.
When centre David Clarke got in for a 'Wegians try, the result was very much there for the taking. Clarke finished a clever back-line move which caught Bohs off guard.
Neither side could manage another try and two more penalties from Cleary, whose brace was matched by UL debutant JJ Hanrahan, gave the visitors the match points.
Hanrahan's second successful penalty, in the 75th minute, had the hosts within sight of the win – until Cleary replied just two minutes later, and 'Wegians were able to hold Bohs at bay for the remainder.
Referee: John Carvill (IRFU)