Galwegians narrow gap on UCC after victory

Galwegians 15 Ballynahinch 12

Ireland Under-20 hopeful Tiernan O'Halloran touched down as Galwegians made it two wins on the bounce in AIB League Division 1B, seeing off Ballynahinch by three points at Crowley Park.

Galwegians narrowed the gap on third-placed UCC to just a point as they got the better of second-from-bottom 'Hinch, whose only points came from the boot of out-half Ryan Bambry.

The hosts did all of their scoring in the first half and led 15-6 at the break, but could not push through the gears in the second period as 'Hinch tenaciously fought back to claim a losing bonus point.

Bambry and 'Wegians centre Dave Clarke swapped early penalties before winger O'Halloran followed up on a well-placed grubber kick from scrum half Kieran Campbell to score in the corner.

'Wegians were awarded a penalty try by referee Eanna O'Dowd on the half hour mark after they had turned the screw in a scrum, forcing the County Down side back towards their line. Clarke added the conversion for a 12-point lead.

New Zealander Bambry, who had missed two first half penalties, made sure 'Hinch replied before half-time. He followed up on some good work by forwards Stuart Lamb and Michael Graham to land a well-taken drop goal.

The second half was a tryless affair and the pressure was increased on 'Wegians when Bambry fired over two penalties after 49 and 57 minutes.

But Kevin Tierney's men kept a tight hold of their lead right to the final whistle, with the Connacht-capped trio of Liam Bibo, Campbell and Dermot Murphy having pivotal roles.

Scorers:

Galwegians: Tries: Tiernan O’Halloran, Penalty try; Con: Dave Clarke; Pen: Dave Clarke

Ballynahinch: Pens: Ryan Bambry 2; Drops: Ryan Bambry 2

HT: Galwegians 15 Ballynahinch 6