Ballina 16

Galwegians 29

By Jamie Curley

Galwegians extended their lead at the top of Division 2C as they began the New Year with a win on the road in Mayo to complete the double in the Connacht derby.

After going top of the table in the reverse fixture back in December, the pressure was on with Clogher Valley and Enniscorthy hot on the heels of the Blues. With Ballina at the opposite end of the table, they needed to start building some momentum if they wanted to keep their AIL status intact.

Galwegians made five changes to the matchday squad with Oisin Halpin, Jesse Va’asfusuaga and Eoin Tarmey returning in the pack; with Cian Brady playing at full-back and Ireland U-20s Finn Tracey starting at centre.

The Blues were dangerous from the outset, and were glued to Ballina’s 22 for the first quarter of the game. With many opportunities to take the lead in the opening minutes of the game, their patience was finally rewarded in the 12th minute as Jack Winters opened the scoring with the first try.

A superb 50-22 downfield from Tiarnan Neville earned Wegians a lineout. Playing the ball out wide, Garyn Daniel and Jack Winters linked up with a quick one-two sequence to open the gap, and Winters got over and added to his tally for the season.

Galwegians continued to dominate possession inside the 22 but had nothing to show for their efforts in the first-half. Va’asfusuaga appeared to have grounded the ball over the tryline, but his attempt was ruled out for a double movement; and Winters found himself close for his second of the afternoon, but was held up on the line.

Pictured: Garyn Daniel, Liam Angermann, Rob Holian, Dylan Keane and Jack Winters all impressed against Ballina on Saturday. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.