Skerries will host Bruff in the 2B Promotion Play-Off Final, as both sides now have the chance to play 2B rugby next season thanks to crucial wins this weekend.
Galwegians (2T) 12-24 (4T) Bruff, Crowley Park
Galwegians have been relegated down to 2C, as despite a fightback in the second half, they fell to Bruff in Crowley Park.
The opening half was tight and a little frantic, nerves from both with what was at stake in the tie, pressure told as Wegians discipline was causing issues Brian McSweeney was sent to the bin, minutes later they conceded a penalty try and another blow from that score as Karl Waterman also had to depart, with Bruff taking a 7-0 lead to the break.
A more open second half saw plenty of action and drama, Waterman was back on the field and bundled his way over for their first try of the day, but the difficult touchline conversion which followed was wide and Bruff were still ahead.
Bruff hit their stride either side of the hour mark, Tom Quigley crossed in the 53rd minute, before Pa Maher bagged their third try after 65 minutes to see Bruff ahead 19-5. Wegians had a lifeline as they bagged a second try to reduce the gap to 19-12 just before we ticked into the final ten.
The home side huffed and puffed late on to try and snatch a score to potentially force extra time, but in the final moments, Bruff won a lineout and their maul which was a key contributor to the tie forced a way over for the deciding score.
Skerries 12-3 Tullamore, Holmpatrick,
Skerries remain on track to secure promotion as the boot of Ronan Mulcahy saw them edge a tight semi final with Tullamore.
Mulcahy added the first of his quartet of penalties in the tenth minute to give the hosts the lead before Tullamore added a penalty of their own to tie the contest, the sides deadlocked at 3-3 at the break.
Skerries battled hard at the break, but Tullamore’s lack of discipline allowed the Goats and Mulcahy the chance at the posts, the full-back added three in the second half as Skerries look to forget narrowly missing out on promotion last year with Bruff their next challenge on Saturday May 6th
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.