‘Wegians pay the price for failing to take their chances

Galwegians 12

For the second week running, Galwegians suffered a disappointing and frustrating defeat away to a Dublin side, this time going down to Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road on Saturday in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League.

’Wegians came into this game determined to open their away winning account, but the hosts took the lead on 12 minutes courtesy of a penalty from Shane McDonald. But ’Wegians were getting on top and deservedly took the lead when winger Ed O’Keeffe crossed for a well-taken try, which was converted by out-half Aidan Moynihan for a 7-3 lead.

’Wegians should have added to their lead, but some scoring chances went abegging and they failed to add to their scoring tally, and instead it was the hosts who scored next when Steve Crosby landed a penalty to reduce arrears.

And although the visitors should have held on to the lead, they went in to the break in arrears when they conceded a crucial score in the last play of the half. Although they managed to turn over a home scrum, the Blues failed to adequately clear their lines which allowed Belvedere to take a quick lineout. This set up an attacking move and an overlap created the opportunity for centre John Kennedy who crossed near the corner for a sucker-punch score.

’Wegians dominated the third quarter but once again struggled to make their possession and dominance count on the scoreboard. Finally they made it count on the hour mark when O’Keeffe crossed the whitewash again for his, and ’Wegians’, second try of the game, although Moynihan was wide with the conversion to leave them in front by the narrowest of margins.

However the final quarter saw the Blues implode somewhat as the game completely turned ran away from against them. Crosby soon added another penalty to put the hosts back in front for the third time at 14-12, and thereafter it all went downhill for Wegians.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.