GALWEGIANS 33 BUCCANEERS 26
It took extra time to decide the outcome of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Plate match between Buccaneers Seconds and their Galwegians counterparts at Crowley Park, Galway, on Sunday. The Tribesmen edged a fairly even contest on a 33-26 margin.
Such a high score did not look likely at halftime at which stage neither side had troubled the scoreboard with both teams making many errors. But when Buccs did not clear their lines after the light blues kicked off following the change of ends, they opened the scoring with a converted try. Buccs then had a spell of sustained pressure and levelled the scoring but then again failed to clear their lines and the westerners scored a second try in similar manner to their opener.
Buccs response was positive and they got on top, scoring two tries to lead 19-12. But, with just two minutes to go, a high tackle resulted in a yellow card and Galwegians seized the opportunity to score a final move try with the conversion levelling the scores and sending the contest into extra time.
Wegians scored in the first period when Buccs were still depleted and then added another try in the second period. Two tired teams battled willingly and Buccs scored a fourth try but it was too late to salvage this encounter.
Sam Tan, Sam Fogarty, Oisin Donoghue and Robbie Byrne were the midlanders try scorers. Buccs had strong performances from Byrne, Gavin Daly, Michael Egan and Gavin Malone.
GALWEGIANS:- E.Fahey; E.Brady, C.Farrell, F.Stewart, O.Kennedy; J.Allnutt, J.Deacy; I.O’Malley, E.Ferry, C.McGrath; B.McHugo, N.Duggan; M.Conlon, P.Dolphin and F.Roussel. Replacements:- J.Pfeiffer, J.Haugh, J.Murphy, T.Egan, D.King and H.Shalaby.
BUCCANEERS:- C.McDonagh; K.Foxe, H.Balsiger, F.Lennon, J.Rosney; S.Tan, M.Egan; A.M.Abono, O.Donoghue, B.Foxe; L.Giles, S.Fogarty; C.Daly, G.Daly and R.Byrne. Replacements:- C.Malone, E.Naughton, C.Walsh, P.Malassou and G.Murphy.
Referee:- Jamie Coyle (Connacht).
