O’Mahonys, Wooten deliver for Garryowen

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B:

Bidding for a quick return to the top flight after last season’s relegation, Garryowen had been unimpressive in recent weeks but Saturday’s display jumps them to second — seven points behind Galwegians.

However, much will surely depend on the availability of the O’Mahonys and Wooten over the coming weeks and months if they are to return to the higher echelons.

All three are regulars on the Munster A team and made their class apparent throughout this entertaining and high scoring encounter.

Barry O’Mahony touched down Garryowen’s first try and then it was the turn of brother Ronan to produce a delightful little piece of skill before combining with Wooten for the second.

Wooten went on to grab a hat-trick of tries and Jamie Gavin knocked over some superb conversions and a drop goal to leave Garryowen 32-10 clear at the three quarters stage and seemingly in total control.

However, a combination of their own complacency and a belated Ballymena resurgence during which they earned a penalty try and another by skipper Michael McComish meant the gap was down to eight points when replacement Ritchie McMasters sized up a 40 metre penalty attempt with the last kick to earn his side a bonus point. But he missed and that left Ballymena to face the long journey home without anything for their endeavours.

GARRYOWEN: R O’Mahony; S McMahon, A O’Byrne, J McInerney, A Wooten; J Gavin, N Cronin; P O’Shea, E Rossiter, B Rowley, D Mulcair, P McCarroll, J Hrstich, B O’Mahony, D Sherry capt.

Rolling replacements: J M Griffin, B McNamara, A McCluskey, J Glynn, C Doyle.

BALLYMENA: S Taylor; J Foster, P James, M Irwin, J Beattie; T Small, G Baillie; A Kirkpatrick, A McBurney, B Young, M Foster, M Rea, S Mulholland, W McKay, M McComish capt.

Rolling replacements: M Lagan, C Cundell, J Gallagher, R McMaster, R McCrudden.

Referee: K Barry (IRFU).