Forward power propels Galwegians into top four

Garryowen 6 Galwegians 20

Referee David Keane must have had serious reservations about allowing the game go ahead but Galwegians weren’t complaining. The conditions were tailor-made for their bigger and vastly more experienced forwards.

Garryowen didn’t help their cause when skipper Colin Varley was yellow carded just after half-time when they were still very much in the match at 10-6 but while he was off the field, Wegians struck for their second try.

Garryowen fielded Jeremy Staunton and Dominic Crotty, at out-half and centre respectively but it was not the kind of day on which talented footballers can be influential. They also suffered a succession of injuries which meant that the game ended with uncontested scrums.

Garryowen got off to the ideal start when Staunton knocked over a penalty from the kick-off and they had their moments subsequently, not least when Staunton broke through to set up a likely looking attack which ended with Kevin O’Riordan being bundled into touch at the corner flag.

The loss of Munster reserve prop Simon Kerr with an ankle injury further damaged their cause. Wegians duly broke through for the game breaking try on 31 minutes when after constant pressure, a timely Elwood dummy created the chance for South African hooker Marnie Uijs to charge over between the posts.

Elwood converted and he and Staunton exchanged penalties before the interval at which stage the visitors led by 10-6.

The best movement of the match came five minutes after the restart when the Wegians midfield backs made light of the treacherous underfoot conditions to combine delightfully before Duffy’s momentum saw him slide across the line for Elwood to again add the points.

The veteran out-half had the last say with a late penalty.