Galwegians whitewash injury-hit Malone

Galwegians 53 Malone 0

Galwegians qualified for their first ever AIB Cup semi-final at Crowley Park this afternoon as they ran in nine tries against an under-strength Malone side.

The Division Two outfit were missing some of their front-line players, including out-half Kieran Hallett, and paid the price as ’Wegians put them to the sword to set up a last-four clash with either Shannon or St Mary’s College.

Connacht duo Peter Durcan and Brian McGovern touched down after three and 24 minutes and winger John Cleary broke from inside his own half for an injury-time effort and a 19-0 half-time lead.

Further tries followed from McGovern, Alipate Tuilevuka, Cleary, Martin Webdale, James Wakley and Brett Sweeney.

’Wegians, the only Connacht team left in the competition, fielded a strong line-up and got off to a blistering start when Connacht squad member Durcan wormed his way over in the right corner under pressure from David Halliday.

Malone, who had a couple of players pressed into Ulster A duty yesterday, kept competitive and did well to end the first quarter only 5-0 down as the home side were back by a gusting wind.

Loosehead prop McGovern then touched down in the 24th-minute after a well-worked maul and the Connacht-contracted Liam Bibo added the conversion for a 12-0 buffer.

The try of the afternoon followed just before the break when right winger Cleary found a gap and he had the pace to scoot clear and dive over under the posts. Australian Bibo kicked the simple convert to stretch the advantage for Paul Young’s side.

Malone’s chances of making a comeback took a nosedive right on the restart when McGovern muscled over from close range for his second try, which Bibo converted.

Connacht recruit Tuilevuka then moved away from his left wing station to pop up on the right and power over for ’Wegians fifth try.

Cleary then showed his snappy finishing skills once again to complete his brace.

The final quarter saw blindside flanker Webdale (61 minutes), replacement winger Wakley (68) and centre Sweeney (79) all cross the visitors’ whitewash as ’Wegians set up an all-Division One semi-final against either Shannon or St Mary’s College who meet tomorrow.

Scorers: Galwegians: Tries: Peter Durcan, Brian McGovern 2, John Cleary 2, Alipate Tuilevuka, Martin Webdale, James Wakley, Brett Sweeney; Cons: Liam Bibo 4