Derby Delight for Galbally in 24-13 win over Richmond

IT’S a long rugby journey from the Canal Bank to Galbally but when you return without anything to show for your efforts it makes it more painful. Richmond failed to get even a losing bonus point from Satrurday’s division one clash on the Tipperary border and they remain in sixth place in the table with nine games played.

Galbally will be delighted with their return to form and their downward spiral was overturned in recent weeks. A losing bonus point last week-end against Kilfeacle and District and this win over their city rivals pushes them from third last to tenth, three ahead of Waterpark and just three points adrift of ninth placed Crosshaven.

Played in good conditions, the first half was a very close affair. Brian Mullins put Richmond in front on nine minutes but Galbally levelled it two minutes later with John Kearns kicking a similar effort. The home side then hit a purple patch that was to pave their way to victory.

Jack O’Donovan got the first of his brace on 22 minutes, converted by Kearns and while Richmond replied with a second Brian Mullins penalty, Galbally struck again before the break, O’Donovan getting his second touchdown and Kearns converting for a 17-6 half time lead.

Richmond needed the first score of the second half and they got it, Shane Halpin adding to his try tally with a well-taken score, Mullins converting as the city side were back in it at 17-13.

That was to be their last score and although they had a lot of possession and were camped near their opponents’ line for long periods, poor handling a few bad options ruined promising opportunities. Galbally sealed the four points three minutes from time when Robert Davoren 

got over for his side’s third try and John Kearns added the extras for a welcome victory that will ease their relegation worries.

Richmond: 1 Darragh Joyce, 2 Rian Mc Namara, 3 Brendan Murtagh, 4 Eoin Brennan, 5 Barry Laffan – captain, 6 Stephen Collins, 7 Gearoid Phelan, 8 Eoin Hanley, 9 Brian Mullins, 10 Sean Considine, 11 David Clancy, 12 Pearce Mc carthy, 13 Keith Mc carthy, 14 Shane Halpin, 15 Ryan Meagher. Replacements, 16 Pat Humphreys, 17 Thomas Aherne, 18 Ciaran O’Hanlon, 19 Kevin Madden, 20 Luke Kennedy.