Galwegians book slot in next season's Division 1B

Galwegians 37 UL Bohemians 18

Liam Bibo helped himself to a hat-trick of tries as Galwegians beat UL Bohemians and booked their spot in next season’s ten-team Division 1B.

Galwegians had the wind at their backs in the first half and made a brilliant start with the Connacht-capped Bibo nipping over in the corner for a try that Tadhg Leader converted in terrific fashion.

JJ Hanrahan and Leader swapped penalties before winger Cian Aherne finished off a well-executed breakaway from UL which caught the ‘Wegians defence napping. Hanrahan converted to level the sides at 10-10.

In a tight second quarter, another Leader penalty and an intercept try from centre Brian Murphy had the hosts in the ascendancy.

Hanrahan pulled back a penalty after his Ireland Under-20 colleague Tiernan O’Halloran was sin-binned for a deliberate knock on.

But Leader landed the final blow of an entertaining first half, drilling a long range penalty through the posts for a 23-13 interval lead.

Winger scampered over for a second Bohs try which went unconverted and the scores kept coming as a storming run from Galwegians captain John Cleary set up Bibo for his second touchdown, this time under the posts.

Leader added the extras for a 30-18 advantage, and UL fell further behind when Darragh Fanning cut the visitors’ defence open again and Bibo was on hand to complete his hat-trick.

The result meant ‘Wegians kept ahead of Bruff at the foot of the table, with the Limerick side now facing a promotion/relegation play-off.

UL Bohs, meanwhile, finished fourth and were agonisingly just one win away from qualifying for a play-off to reach Division 1A.

Scorers: Galwegians: Tries: Liam Bibo 3, Brian Murphy; Cons: Tadhg Leader 4; Pens: Tadhg Leader 3

UL Bohemians: Tries: Cian Aherne 2; Con: JJ Hanrahan; Pens: JJ Hanrahan 2