We had met the Corinthians for a 'home' game at Ignations 3 years ago and was looking forward to renewing acquaintances on the West coast of Ireland. That game was a see saw affair with OGs squeezing a one try win on the day.

Our day started in the hotel with our president Paul Rose awarding our new recruit Ryan with his club tie. Welcome Ryan!

Our last trip to West Ireland, Limerick, 2 years back was a very wet affair with heavy rain the entire match day, including our trip to watch Munster play Barbarians. However, Galway treated us to some lovely morning sun as we boarded the coach to the Corinthians ground.

*Special thanks for Louise Ridley who arranged the various coaches to get us about Galway.*

Corinthians greeted us with the usual warmth we had come to expect and the club was set in a beautiful spot with a wonderful view facing fields with the coast in the background. This view was somewhat blighted by the sight (and smell) of a farmer muck spreading an adjacent field to the pitch. A local parent shouted 'Welcome to the West of Ireland', which was nice!

After warm up, the local ref gathered the boys in a tight circle, explaining the rules and what he wanted and it was immediately clear with the boys already mixing in the same circle, the same good spirt we had experienced with Corinthians in London, was still with us here in Galway. A nice touch. Check the pic.

With the sun still shining, the match started and immediately the home side took the lead. Their backs were especially potent with OGs struggling with the constant movement of play across the pitch. Corinthians had a game plan and stuck to it. OGs shipped a couple of quick tries before getting into their stride and really started to work hard, tackling and breaking up the attacks . Our rucks weren't going to plan but after 20 mins, the boys picked up and started using our big forwards to punch holes up in the middle which was encouraging. However Galway stuck to their plan and went wide for a few more tries.

Second half started with OGs again using the forwards to match and often overpowering Corinthians but our offloading and final passes were not coming off today. Our boys kept plugging away though, with our defence being constantly tested. A quick taken tap penalty by our tight head Finlay resulted in our first points of the day, for a short drive over from 5m.

Corinthians responded and again stretching our team across the park with their play. Their teamwork and structure were excellent showing what was, a very will drilled side.

With the game coming to an end, a long pass by the Corinthians back line was intercepted by our outside half Oisin to run in a 50m try for us to get us into double figures.

We were well beaten on the day but the game was played in great spririt and with a high level of quality rugby.

Post match, we were treated to a fine roast pork, potatoes and exceptional hospitality by the team coach 'Tank' AKA Damian and his team.
Our president Paul Rose gave a lovely speech with the man of the match awards being presented and an exchange of club shirts.

Things got even better when later that evening, Tank and his coaches joined us coaches , Paul Rose and dads in the city centre for a few pints.

It was a fine away game and worthy of the travel. Galway is a wonderful city and we all hope to return one day.

Let's not mention the delayed Ryanir flights to and from Galway!

*Another shout out to Jason Bacon (Jace's dad) for arranging and running the quiz night for the boys. He showed unwavering patience with them, whilst they struggled to get away from their food and phones to answer the questions, well done Mr. Bacon!