Adam Griggs scores a try for Wesley. (Photographer: Ken Richardson)
Local Rugby stalwarts Old Wesley hosted Munster maulers Galwegians at their Donnybrook grounds last Saturday.
Following a scoreless first half and playing into the breeze and up the hill, the second half didn’t look an appealing prospect for Old Wesley. And when Galwegians full back Aidan Moynihan crossed for the first try of the match after just 3 minutes, it looked even more daunting.
The successful conversion from the corner made it 7 nil to the visitors. Boosted by their lead, Galwegians continued to pile on the pressure but Wesley dug deep and were able to weather the storm, eventually bringing play back down to where they wanted it. David Poff looked to be clear for Wesley’s first try but was called back for a forward pass. Then minutes later it was Paul Harte’s turn, but he was bundled into touch at the corner flag.
With 10 minutes to go Wesley were running out of time and it appeared that the Galway side had done just enough to earn the win. But a perfectly taken penalty kick by Rory Stynes had an Old Wesley line out on the opposition 5 metre line. Now Galwegians were feeling the pressure and soon conceded two penalties under their posts, with Wesley opting for a scrum both times. The gamble paid off on the second occasion when scrum half Adam Griggs broke clear and beat the defence to score Wesley’s first points. Adam Kennedy converted to make it 7 all. Wesley travel to Ballinahinch on Saturday for their next fixture in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank league.
By Paul O’Rourke
