Clontarf Haul Back Galwegians
Author: Peter Walsh
2005-02-07
Galwegians 16 Clontarf 25


Despite having a raft of Contracted players available Galwegians had no answer to Clontarf’s astonishing second half fightback in Glenina last Saturday.

Playing with the benefit of a gusty breeze Galwegians jumped out of the blocks keen to prove that last weeks debacle in Belfast was an aberration. Led vigorously by their number 8 Scott McDonald they jumped out to a deserved early 13 - 3 lead with two penalties and a converted try to a penalty by Mcallister. Clontarf were reeling on the ropes for most of the first half and seemed to have no answer to the speed and aggression of the Galwegians forwards. Half times arrival was warmly welcomed by the Clontarf supporters as their team was then 16 – 3 down after a further penalty from ‘Wegians Out Half Cleary.

The second half saw an astonishing comeback as Clontarf piled on the pressure and Galwegians visibly wilted under the strain . The first try came from a fortuitous knock back at a lineout close to the home line; Tarf no 8, Tafanel was fastest to react and he surged to the line, Captain, Warren O’Kelly was quick to support for the touchdown and 16 – 8.
Five minutes later excellent hands from no 7 O’Brien put Mahony clear with the fullback to beat. He duly did so and scored in the corner for 16 – 13. The home side were now losing heart and when ‘Tarf set a maul after a McAllister penalty to the corner the writing was on the wall; O’Donnell scored at the maul for 16 – 18 and the stage was set for the coup de gras.
It came as the game approached injury time, Tarf mauled the home side from 10 yards outside their 22 to their line. The maul broke and Van Zyl went left to right to Mcallister who found Moore with a long skip pass. Moore found Hewitt, Hewitt found O’Shea, and O’Shea found the corner. Mc Allister found his range with the conversion for 16 – 25 and not even a huge burst at the death from McDonald could lift the gloom for the home side as McAllister caught him as well.

So a bonus point earned, a relaxed journey home and 4 games to go. Next up is UCD in Castle Ave on 19th Feb.

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