Crowley Park saw the 35-year-old make his first start of the season for 'Wegians, as coach Bernie Kelly named a near full-strength side.

The home side were 24-3 up at the break as Carlow scored through the boot of Richie Murphy on the quarter-hour, and tries were forthcoming for 'Wegians from Tom Allen (2 minutes), Scott Donald (10) and Mick Carroll (24) - a substitute in last night's 18-11 Celtic League loss for Connacht at the hands of Llanelli.

Elwood kicked a first half penalty, and while converting all three, he also provided a surreal moment when he dallied for close to ten seconds in taking a drop goal attempt midway through the second half. As the effort drifted narrowly wide, 'Wegians number eight Scott Donald followed up to pinch a try under the eyes of the stuttering Carlow rearguard.

Allen, like Donald, scored his second in the closing stages, with Ambrose Conboy and Stuart Meagher also on the mark. Carlow number ten Murphy touched down for the visitors, who has newcomer Tomalli Cassola sin-binned.

Scorers: Galwegians: Tries: Tom Allen 2, Chris Donald 2, Stuart Meagher, Mick Carroll, Ambrose Conboy; Cons: Eric Elwood 7; Pen: Elwood

Carlow: Try: Richie Murphy; Con: Murphy; Pen: Murphy