Galwegians eke out 20-17 win over Buccaneers

Galwegians 20 Buccaneers 17, Crowley Park

Scorers: Galwegians: Tries: John Cleary, Penalty try; Cons: David Slemen 2; Pens: Slemen 2

Buccs: Tries: Niall Smullen, Rory McCann; Cons: Justin Meagher; Pen: Meagher

HT: 17-0

Buccaneers claimed their first bonus point of the season, but it was of little consolation as Connacht rivals Galwegians edged them 20-17 at Crowley Park.

Buoyed by last weekend's historic defeat of Constitution in Cork, Bernie Kelly's young 'Wegians side were boosted by fit-again Connacht back David Slemen and he kicked two conversion and two penalties inside a lightning first 43 minutes for the home side.

He booted an early penalty, added the extras to John Cleary's try and 'Wegians 26th-minute penalty try as they stunned third-placed Buccs for a 17-0 half-time lead.

Slemen tagged on another kick three minutes after the restart, but that was as good as it got for Kelly's charges.

Buccs full-back Justin Meagher - facing off against his brother Stewart in 'Wegians colours - kicked the visitors first points before Niall Smullen ran in behind the posts on 49 minutes for a try, converted by Meagher.

Second row Rory McCann also barged over for the Pirates on 67 minutes, for Meagher to convert but the Buccs kicker missed a late chance to draw up the game as his injury time penalty hit a 'Wegians upright.