After losing to Division 1A leaders Clontarf last time out, Old Belvedere got back to winning ways with a 24-12 defeat of a resilient Galwegians side at Anglesea Road on Saturday.
For the second week running, Galwegians suffered a disappointing and frustrating defeat away to a Dublin side, this time going down to 'Belvo in a game that hung in the balance until the final quarter.
The Galway club came into this third round tie determined to claim their first away win, but the hosts took the lead on 12 minutes courtesy of a well-struck penalty from goal-kicking winger Shane McDonald.
'Wegians were getting on top and deservedly took the lead when in-form winger Ed O'Keeffe crossed for a neatly finished try which was converted by out-half Aidan Moynihan for a 7-3 lead.
Matt Brown's men should have added to their lead, but some scoring chances went a-begging and instead it was 'Belvo who scored next when their Leinster-capped centre Steve Crosbie landed a penalty to reduce arrears.
And although the visitors should have held onto their advantage, they fell 11-7 behind on the stroke of half-time when they conceded a crucial score in the last play of the half.
Despite managing 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 real sucker-punch score.
In the second half, 'Wegians dominated the third quarter but once again struggled to make their possession and dominance count on the scoreboard. Finally they added to their tally on the hour mark when O'Keeffe crossed the whitewash again to complete his brace, 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 a Crosbie penalty sparked a crucial run of scores for the Dubliners. His penalty put the hosts back in front for the third time at 14-12, and it all went downhill for 'Wegians after that.
As the game entered it final ten minutes, influential Connacht lock Aly Muldowney was sin-binned for the Blues. The hosts made the extra man count as key man Crosbie crossed for the decisive try, which he converted himself for a nine-point lead.
It went from bad to worse for 'Wegians as their other second row Marty Cummins found himself binned, and Beldevere sealed their 12-point victory with a late penalty from McDonald.
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)
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