Galwegians hold on to see off Dungannon

Galwegians 14 Dungannon 10, Crowley Park

Galwegians ensured their top-flight status for another year with a hard-fought 14-10 win over Dungannon at Crowley Park this afternoon.

'Wegians survived eleven minutes of stoppage time and a lop-sided penalty count to end their three-match losing streak.

Thomas Anderson, one of Ireland's Under-20 Grand Slam heroes, scored off an early scrum to see Dungannon into a 7-0 lead. But the hosts were level by the break thanks to centre Nick Wakley's converted try.

'Gannon snuck ahead courtesy of a Richard McCarter penalty before a brilliant attack from full-back Cormac O'Beirne set up winger Kieran Hickman for 'Wegians' clinching try.

In an open game, Dungannon's better structure was from the set piece was countered well by 'Wegians' liveliness in the loose.

The 'Gannon pack set about their task in the opening minutes and they made full use of their early territorial advantage to put Anderson, the son of former Ireland captain Willie, over for his try.

Anderson plunged over off the back of an eighth-minute scrum for McCarter to convert from close range.

Then a breakaway by Anthony Barrett saw his centre partner Wakley crash over for a scintillating try that the scorer himself added the extras to.

Ireland Club international McCarter increased his influence with some excellent touch finders and he showed he was on form on 59 minutes when he banged over a penalty from just inside the hosts' half for a 10-7 score line.

Nonetheless, another turnover resulted in the Galway men notching their second try. The visitors lost the ball at a ruck, 'Wegians set off on a blindside attack with full-back O'Beirne darting through the cover.

A couple of phases later, Hickman was sent over for the try with Wakley converting and Paul Young's side dug deep, defending tigerishly, to see out the win - only their third in eight league clashes with Dungannon.

Scorers: Galwegians: Tries: Nick Wakley, Kieran Hickman; Cons: Wakley 2

Dungannon: Try: Thomas Anderson; Con: Richard McCarter; Pen: McCater

HT: Galwegians 7 Dungannon 7