Galwegians win Connacht Senior Cup

Galwegians RFC 36
Sligo RFC 10

Sligo’s brave attempt to lift the Connacht Senior Cup, for the first time since 1914 fell short when they were defeated by a strong Galwegians outfit at the Sportsground in Galway on Sunday.

With ‘Wegians playing in Division 1A of the Ulster bank league and Sligo competing in Division 2B, the assignment was always going to be difficult for the north westerners and come the final whistle, the experience of the Galway outfit proved the difference between the two teams.

Despite the gulf of league positions between the two sides, Sligo brought their game to the tribesmen and early dominance was not reflected on the scoreboard. Wegians’ however were clinical and racked up early scores to put themselves 15 points ahead in the first half hour.

Sligo responded well, and began to put their phases together.A prolonged period of pressure on the opposition line, just prior the break, seemed to be about to produce a well deserved try but unfortunately a knock on saw the ball turned over and Wegians went the length to further increase their lead.

Following the resumption Sligo continued to press and were finally rewarded with a try from replacement Gary O Hehir following a great carry by Jamie Bowes.

Sligo continued to battle gamely but despite a well worked Mark Butler try it was the Galway side who lifted the trophy following the final whistle.

Despite the league table gulf, Sligo can take heart in their performance. At scrum time David Rowe, Gary Conneely and Adrian McHale, supported by Shane Mc Guinness and Ross Mannion more than held their own against the much vaunted Wegians 3. Second Rows James Wilson and Peter Mullan were secure at lineout time and covered the ground well.

Sligo’s backrow of Rory Kerins, David Heath and Paddy Conlon were a menace throughout with Heath deserving a particular mention for some excellent carries. Replacement Aidan Mc Nulty slotted in seamlessly when required.

Billy Leahy provided a good service to the excellent Mark Butler at half back and this was reflected in the excellent work by centres Matele Fifita and Gavin Foley.
Sligo ‘s back three of Hugo Lafitte, Cathal Finneran, and David Gerrity were never found short when called into play.

Coach Simon Galvan will look to next seasons UBL league with optimism knowing that they can compete with any challenge put in front of them.

Sligo. David Geritty, Cathal Finneran, Matele Fifita,Gavin Foley, Hugo Lafitte, Mark Butler, Billy Leahy, David Rowe, Gary Conneely, Adrian Mc Hale, Peter Mullan, James Wilson, David Heath, Rory Kerins, Paddy Conlon. Replacements Shane Mc Guinness, Ross Mannion, Aidan Mc Nulty, Gary O Hehir, Jamie Bowes, Sean Donnelly.