’Wegians unable to complete league double over Shannon
Our ReporterCITY TRIBUNE
Shannon 17
Galwegians 14
Galwegians suffered a disappointing defeat away to Shannon at the Thomond Park back pitch on Saturday in their return to action after a two-month absence of league competition.
Having thumped the eight-time former AIL champions in their last League outing in early December, this was a dramatic turnaround as a rejuvenated and fired-up Shannon claimed the spoils against a rusty-looking Wegians.
The Blues named a strong side, especially upfront where Ronan Loughney, Peter Claffey, and Eoghan Masterson all made their club debuts this season, the latter two making welcome returns after lengthy injuries.
The visitors had an early chance to take the lead, but out-half Aidan Moynihan hooked his penalty attempt wide. The opening exchanges were fairly even, but with the aid of a stiff first-half breeze the hosts soon began to assert themselves. They opened the scoring on 17 minutes through a penalty from their out-half Fionn McGibney, after as earlier effort came back off the post.
Shannon started to take advantage as Wegians were getting on the wrong side of referee Eddie Hogan O’Connell, and with flanker Josh Pim in the bin, the home side took advantage just on the half-hour mark. Following strong pressure from their pack, promising U-20 scrum-half Jack Stafford sniped over from close range for the game’s opening try, which McGibney converted to make it 10-0.
Moynihan had another opportunity to land a penalty soon after the restart, but again he pulled it to the left. The rest of the half was frustrating for Wegians, who never really got any momentum going, and they were lucky to avoid going further behind when they resisted another Shannon onslaught on their line just before the break.
Coach Brian McClearn clearly had words with his charges as the visitors started much better in the second-half. Despite the wind suddenly dropping completely, the Blues went on the offensive, and on 49 minutes they deservedly hauled themselves back into the contest.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.