Galwegians edge it

Buccaneers 8 Galwegians 9

Galwegians left it late to win this all-Connacht AIB League Division One clash at Dubarry Park this afternoon, with Robert O’Beirn booting the match-winning penalty in the dying minutes.

In what proved to be a stop-start affair, ‘Wegians took the early initiative and led 6-0 at half-time. Full-back O’Beirn book-ended the half with penalty goals while also missing a third attempt.

The visitors made use of a diagonal wind to pin Buccaneers back in their half but Eamonn Molloy’s men lacked the attacking guile to prize open the Buccs defence.

Buccs got a head of steam up for the second half, playing themselves back into contention with Alan Gaughan firing a 59th minute penalty over from the 10-metre line.

Gaughan was unfortunate when he struck an upright with another penalty attempt, five minutes later.

However, Buccaneers’ improved all-round play was rewarded soon after. Connacht’s Danny Riordan touched down in the left corner after a quick-witted attack that began with a quick tap penalty.

Riordan’s try went unconverted and that proved crucial as from a rare second half attack for ‘Wegians, Buccs came in at the side of a ruck.

O’Beirn, presented with this late penalty chance, did his bit for his team and coolly bisected the posts from a right-sided position.

Scorers:

Buccaneers: Try: Danny Riordan; Pen: Alan Gaughan

Galwegians: Pens: Robert O’Beirn 3