Garryowen gain revenge in Belfast
Belfast Harlequins 13 Garryowen 30
Garryowen gained revenge on Belfast Harlequins for dashing their league hopes last season by winning their 2005/06 Division One opener at Deramore Park.
The Limerick side, beaten in last April’s semi-finals by ‘Quins, secured their first league victory over the northerners in four meetings as Paul Devlin, Adam O’Loughlin and Kevin Hartigan ran in tries.
The game looked all but over for Ward, who lined out at number eight, and the hosts at half-time as Garryowen raced into a 23-6 lead.
Devlin and O’Loughlin both made use of some sloppy defence from the home side to touch down and young fly half Conan Doyle was in fine form with the boot, eventually finishing with a 15-point tally.
Garryowen did lose hooker Damien Varley to the sin-bin in the second half but not even scrum half Reece Spee’s 43rd-minute try could inspire last season’s runners-up.
Michael Glancy, who landed two first half penalties, converted but Hartigan’s effort confirmed the win for Paul Cunningham’s side.
Scorers: Harlequins: Try: Reece Spee; Con: Michael Glancy; Pens: Glancy 2
Garryowen: Tries: Paul Devlin, Adam O’Loughlin, Kevin Hartigan; Cons: Conan Doyle 3; Pens: Doyle 3
