Wallace makes openings for incisive Garryowen

All-Ireland League Division One/Garryowen - 33 Galwegians - 11: Garryowen moved to the top of the league with a convincing victory over Galwegians at a wet and windy Dooradoyle yesterday.

Inspired by the excellent David Wallace, Garryowen outscored their opponents by five tries to one in an entertaining contest.

Wallace, who was on the bench for Munster in their Heineken European Cup victory over NEC Harlequins the previous night, played a key role in three of his side's tries.

And new Garryowen coach Paul Cunningham will be pleased with the killer instinct his players showed in taking full advantage of the openings created by Wallace.

Next up for Garryowen is the big Limerick derby clash with champions Shannon on November 7th.

After that encounter, the Dooradoyle faithful will have a better idea of just how much the side has progressed this season. But the signs are promising.

Garryowen led 14-6 at half-time, despite playing into a stiff breeze.

Galwegians had enjoyed plenty of possession, especially in the opening quarter. However, the visitors lacked the craft to unlock a resolute home defence.

Both Wallace and the impressive outhalf Alan Purcell had a hand in creating their side's opening two tries, which were scored by prop Ross Callaghan and winger Diarmuid O'Riordan.

Galwegians replied with two penalty goals from Patrick Noble and John Cleary.

After the resumption, Garryowen added a third try when second-row Donal Sheehan barged over from close range.

Galwegians threatened a revival soon after when Barry Liddy crossed for a smashing try in the right corner following a sweet back-line move.

However, it was to prove to be the Connacht side's final score of the match.

The game was put beyond Galwegians' reach in the 68th minute when the lively Ray Niland crossed for his side's fourth try.

With seven minutes remaining David Heaton added a fifth after further excellent work by Wallace.

What a pity more supporters didn't avail of Garryowen's decision to allow patrons in for free to see the game.

GARRYOWEN: S Ryan; D O'Riordan, R Niland, P Devlin, D Heaton; A Purcell, G Hurley; R Callaghan, P Humphries, R Laffan, M Melbourne, D Sheehan, P Malone (capt), E Nihill, D Wallace. Replacements: W Maxwell for R Callaghan; A Kavanagh for E Nihill; G Walsh for P Humphries; M Prendergast for G Hurley; F Broderick for D Sheehan.

GALWEGIANS: J Littleton; B Liddy, T Allen, D Rogers, J Cleary; P Noble, M Roche; F Farrell, J Burke, D O'Brien, J Casserly (capt), B McClean, S Donald, I Muldoon, A Conboy. Replacements: J Culkin for P Noble; J Silke for F Farrell; R Murray for B Liddy; D Boyd for J Casserly.

Referee: M Kilgore (Ulster)