Encouraging home victory
Sligo RFC’s first XV move closer to provincial success after a defeat of Galwegians at Hamilton Park
Connacht Senior League
SLIGO RFC’s first XV are within the first silverware of the 2022-23 season.
Last Saturday’s 16-7 home defeat of Galwegians in round three of the Connacht Senior League means that table-toppers Sligo will claim provincial glory by taking something from their round five fixture against Buccaneers in Athlone’s Dubarry Park on Saturday week, September 17. Two second-half tries – thanks to Matthew Earley and Shane O’Hehir – provided the basis for Sligo’s win, as did sterling defensive work.
Sligo were tested in the second-half period when a number of yellow cards were shown but this was the only time that Galwegians really got at the home side and they scored a try during this spell when Sligo were at a disadvantage nummerically.
Both teams went into last Saturday’s fixture unbeaten – Sligo had beaten both Galway Corinthians (walkover win) and Ballina, with Galwegians overcoming Buccaneers and Corinthians.
Something had to give at Hamilton Park where the pitch was in excellent shape despite the previous day’s rain. Two successful kicks from penalties by Euan Brown gave Sligo six points – both scores coming inside the opening 18 minutes – as the hosts led 6-0 at half-time. Galwegians put the emphasis on their forwards for the second-half, looking to gain ground in this sector, but a 45th minute try for Sligo got the home fans buzzing. Sligo’s forwards did the work. Matthew Earley started the move with a lineout throw and then he got the final, decisive touch in the corner after Rob Holian and Jason East pushed through the Galwegians defence.
This unconverted try put Sligo 11 points ahead, 11-0, but Galwegians hit back with a converted try as they punished Sligo’s ill-discipline.
Sligo, still ahead, reacted to the concession of this try by copperfastening their advantage.
A superbly-worked try after 70 minutes brought home fans to their feet. It began with a scrum and Jason East started the move that involved Brendan Cunningham and then Euan Brown, who brought the ball into the opponents’ 22.
Jason East came close to scoring a try – from Brendan Cunningham’s pass – but the move was kept alive and Shane O’Hehir got over the line. There was to be no comeback from the visitors thanks to resolute defending by Sligo.
Sligo First XV (v Galwegians): Enda Gavin, Darragh Feehily, Calum Goddard, Jack Keegan, Philip Carter, Euan Brown (2 pens), Brendan Cunningham, Matthew Earley (1 try), Shane O’Hehir (1 try), Tom Gormley, Eoin Ryan, Rob Holian, Daire Byrne, James O’Hehir, Jason East (c)
Replacements: Benjamin Hynes, Damien Cullen, Jack Gormley, Michael McMorrow, Mark Rooney