First AIB League win for Galwegians

Galwegians 27 Dungannon 21, Crowley Park

Galwegians posted their first AIB League win under new coach Kevin Tierney, courtesy of a fiery display against Dungannon this afternoon.

In a very entertaining clash, 'Wegians scored three tries in the opening 26 minutes at Crowley Park.

Right from the kick-off, the westerners showed their intent. After a couple of phases, winger Brian Murphy scooted over for an unconverted try.

John McGuckin, kicking in the injury-enforced absence of Richard McCarter, booted a penalty in response, before 'Wegians scored two tries in quick succession.

Experienced winger John Cleary made serious ground before he put lock David Nolan through for a 20th-minute try.

Six minutes later, a lineout ball was splayed across the back-line and South African Chris Briegl sliced through the 'Gannon defence to score.

Matt Brandon, an Australian import, tagged on one conversion for a 17-3 lead for the home side.

Stung into action, Dungannon pounced for an intercept try on 30 minutes. Flanker Derek Hall claimed a loose pass and had the gas to run over from halfway for his second try in seven days.

McGuckin missed the conversion but swung over a penalty, in the dying minutes of the half, to close the gap to 17-11.

The second half saw full-back Robert O'Beirne and out-half Brandon continue to kick well for 'Wegians, who worked back rower Liam Casserly over for their bonus point try.

In the 54th minute, the hosts mounted a pushover drive and Casserly emerged with the ball. O'Beirne converted.

Dungannon upped the tempo off the restart and made a real game of it, reducing the arrears to 24-18 with a try from Michael Rainey.

Team captain Rainey was adjudged to have grounded the ball after surging forward from a five-metre scrum.

Into the final quarter, O'Beirne bisected the posts with a relieving penalty for 'Wegians and with time running out, the Tyrone men had to settle for a losing bonus point - McGuckin did the necessary with a late penalty.