Tribesmen dig deep to sink Sharks

Galway's rugby league team, the Tribesmen, entertain old foes The Cork Bulls on Saturday at the Claddagh (3pm ) looking to continue their winning form and qualification for an All Ireland semi final place.

Having already beaten the Cork side away this season, the Tribesmen are keen to continue their winning ways after a 30-26 win over the newly-formed Athy Sharks at South Park last weekend.

After three tough weeks on the road, the Tribesmen displayed resolve and determination to secure the victory, having led 14-12 at half time.

A sustained period of early pressure from the Tribesmen on the Sharks line yielded nothing, and it was the Sharks who crossed the whitewash first, with the resulting conversion giving the visitors a six-point lead.

It was not long, however, before the Tribesmen responded through Mata Fifita, who beat a number of defenders to register the Tribesmen's first points, with Peter O’Neill converted to level.

Although neither team really dominated the contest, a vastly improved defensive display from the Tribesmen, most noticeably from man of the match Jacob Spargo, kept the Sharks to two tries in the half, while Jason East and Colm Neary scored for the home side.

A try from new recruit Sean O’Gorman extended the Tribesmens’ lead after the break, only for the Sharks to sneak in another try and conversion.

With both sides losing a player with a yellow card, The Tribesmen grabbed another try through O’Gorman, but a brace for the visitors had the teams level again.

However the deadlock was broken in the final minute when Paddy Finn stepped two defenders and set off on a 90m sprint touching down in the corner to give the Tribesmen a four-point lead and victory.

 

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