McPhillips score not enough for Galwegians

St. Mary's College 22 Galwegians 16

Connacht winger Conor McPhillips scored against his former club but it was not enough to deny St. Mary’s College their first league win – a 22-16 success at Templeville Road today.

Former Ireland Under-21 out-half Jonathan Sexton was the leading figure for Mary’s as he kicked 17 points to add to centre Philip Brophy’s try.

Mary’s led 13-10 at the interval having initially gone 10-0 down thanks to McPhillips’ effort.

Brophy’s score, late in the half, began in Mary’s territory and involved some lovely hands from the forwards. ‘Wegians had flanker Brendan O’Connor sin-binned on 48 minutes and two penalties and a drop goal from Sexton steered the Saints home.

Mary’s, who will be without their team captain Barry Lynn for some time due to an Achilles tendon injury, got off to the worst possible start when they simply allowed McPhillips too much space.

The tigerish winger had a rye smile on his face as he touched down against the club that he joined straight from school and played for up until this season.

Paddy O’Toole made McPhillips’ score a seven-pointer and added a 30-metre penalty. Unbowed, Sexton calmly got the hosts up and running with two penalties.

He also converted the try for Brophy, who moved to centre from full-back last week, just before half-time and the Dubliners led 13-10.

Despite not adding to their tally while Connacht man O’Connor was in the bin, Mary’s went further ahead coming up to the hour mark when Sexton slammed over a drop goal.

The out-halves continued their personal battle with Sexton stroking over two more penalties, but a drop goal and penalty from O’Toole deservedly handed ‘Wegians a losing bonus point.

Scorers: St. Mary’s: Try: Philip Brophy; Con: Jonathan Sexton; Pens: Sexton 4; Drop: Sexton

Galwegians: Try: Conor McPhillips; Con: Paddy O’Toole; Pens: O’Toole 2; Drop: O’Toole