TUAM 27 WESTPORT 26

A huge crowd gathered in Garraun Park on Saturday evening last as Tuam hosted Westport in the quarter-final stage of the Connacht Junior Cup.

Both teams were equally well supported and it was the away support who were happiest in the first half as Westport took the game by the scruff of the neck early on.

The game was only seconds old when the alert Tom Devor crossed over for an early try which Alan Masterson converted. 

However, Tuam responded in the right fashion as from a driving maul, Seàn Maughan touched down. 

Nonetheless, it was Westport who settled the better and a couple of Masterson penalties had them leading 13-5 after thirty minutes.

Although Matthew Ward struck over a penalty for the homeside, the first half belonged to the visitors and a strong finish to the opening period saw them take a a healthy lead to the break.

Masterson struck over his third penalty  of the evening to make it double scores, 16-8, but in first half additional time, they got over for a try.

Tuam had a man sent to the bin and Westport wasted no time in making their numerical advantage count on the scoreboard as Kevin Corcoran used his strength to get over the whitewash for a try. This left the half-time score 8-21 to Westport.

Trailing by 13, Tuam had alot of work to do to keep their season alive. After the restart, they wasted no time in eating into the Mayomen's lead. 

44 minutes were gone on the clock when Tuam captain, Owen Halion, got in for a try which Ward converted. 

Westport had the chance to put the gap back out to 8 but the attempt was missed. However, the momentum was now very much with Tuam and that man, Johannes Terblanche, used his strength to get over for a third Tuam try. The conversion attempt was missed which meant Tuam trailed by just one, 20-21.

A grandstand finish saw Tuam go in search of the lead for the first time. A couple of long range penalties for the home team went narrowly the wrong side of the posts but Tuam finally led in the 76th minute.

A piece of brilliance from Luke Cronin saw him break clear and he offloaded to Ross Fahy who touched down with Cronin adding the extras much to the delight of the home crowd.

However, back came Westport and a chipped kick by Harry Sheridan was gathered by Conor Calvey who got in for a try. To Tuam's relief the conversion attempt went wide.

A nail-biting finish followed as Westport went in search of a winner but deep in additional time, the final whistle sounded! 

Tuam had got to their second semi-final in four years but my word they were made work for it. Huge well done to our lads who stuck to the task and never gave in.

Westport for their part fought right to the end and we wish them the very best in their push for promotion to J1A.

Next up for us is a local Derby against Dunmore in the semi-final of the Junior Cup.

The last act of the night was Tuam captain, Owen Halion, receiving the Paddy Halion trophy from his aunt and Paddy's sister, Noreen. A lovely moment.

A massive thank you to the huge support we received last Saturday. The lads really appreciated.

Thanks also to Paul and Mary for providing the teas, coffees and refreshments on the evening and for Reapys Bar, Tuam our team sponsors for hosting us after the game.