‘Wegians Well-Beaten By Five-Try Clontarf
Galwegians were overrun by Division 1B leaders Clontarf at Castle Avenue, as the north Dubliners maintained their five-point advantage at the top of the table.
When these sides met at Crowley Park in October, Clontarf outscored the hosts by five tries to one in a 33-11 victory. Bernard Jackman's men garnered a similar result on Saturday afternoon, with Michael McGrath, Aaron Dundon, Noel Reid, Barry O'Mahony and Michael Keating sharing out the tries.
It was top versus bottom at Castle Avenue and while out-half Tadhg Leader kicked Galwegians into an early lead, 'Tarf soon took control.
They used their territorial advantage to put the visitors under pressure and it yielded an opening try for winger Michael McGrath, who was afforded too much space out wide.
With the 'Tarf forwards continuing to dictate, two more tries followed before half-time. Hooker Aaron Dundon muscled his way over after a powerful lineout maul and youngster Noel Reid cut through for the third, taking his points haul for the season to 58.
Former Ireland Under-21 international Martin Dufficy added a single conversion to give Jackman's side a 17-3 advantage to take into the second half.
Within ten minutes of the restart, flanker Barry O'Mahony had breached the 'Wegians defence for 'Tarf's third try-scoring bonus point in eight league games.
The Galway men enjoyed their best spell coming up to the hour mark and some forward pressure resulted in a penalty try for them, which Leader converted for a 22-10 scoreline.
A penalty from winger Michael Keating kept Clontarf on track and the same player touched down in the final minute for his fifth try of the campaign.
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)