In a windy Glenina on Sunday, Monivea continued on their quest for a first Junior Cup in 21 years. In a competition that has aluded them for so long, they took a huge step closer with a spirited and well earned victory over a home side that were never allowed settle. From the start both Monivea set about their business and one knew that this was going to be a cracker. Monivea won the toss and elected to play against a stiff breeze. But in many a case this seemed to work to their advantage as they spent long periods of the half in the home sides territory. They were first to score after an offside went in their favour and outhalf and man of the match Ger O'Connor slotted over form close range.

This seemed to waken 'Wegians and after their own spell of pressure landed an equalising score from veteran Eamon Molloy. But the visitors responded well and from the kick off were awarded a penalty from a similar position in front of the posts. Again O'Connor cooly slotted over for 6 - 3. For the remaining ten minutes of the half the visitors enjoyed most of the possession and 'wegians could not cross the half way line. Penalty after penalty seemed to go Monivea's way and as the first half was nearly up, Monivea were awarded a penalty five metres inside the 'wegians half. But referee Ed Byrne's, who had a fine game throughout, patience ran out and sin binned second row Brian McClerrin. With 10 seconds left on the clock, Ger O'Connor stepped up and kicked a huge effort against a strong wind to leave the half time score 9 - 3 to Monivea.

If Monivea owned the ball for the opening period of the first half well 'Wegians stole it for the same period of the second. Monivea just could not get their hands on the ball for the first twenty minutes. 'Wegians were litterally camped on the visitors line. Shouts from the side line from President Mike Casserlly to take the 3 points after a number of penalties were awarded fell on deaf ears as the home side went for the big prize, 7 points. But one thing you have to say about this years Monivea side, They are dogged to a man. Their defence this year has been a key factor in their fine season so far and they withheld the onslaught for twenty minutes. Every side needs a bit of luck and to be honest, Monivea's luck was in on Sunday. After that long exerted spell of pressure, Felim Cloonan kicked a huge clearance up the field. 'Wegians full back Terry O'Donnell and winger Eamon Dowling turned and followed and all seemed under control. But Monivea's flying machine Ger Divilly had a different view on things and sat about to chase. As Eamon Dowling fell to touch the ball down it took an auckward bounce into the path of on rushing Divilly who greatfully accepted. Last seasons top try scorer hasn't had too many opportunities this year but this try reminded us that this player is still at the top of his game.

Again, Ger O'Connor stepped up with growing confidence to slot over a fine convert form near the touchline. This was a killer blow to the home side. The heads dropped, 3 were replaced and Monivea chest's bigger grew with every breath. The home side were shattered and seem to lose their way. After a serious of infringements they had flanker Joe Moran sin binned. Monivea turned the screw and when Willie Parker touched down under the posts after a move in which every forward touched the ball, the visiting fans, Who travelled agian in huge numbers, began to celebrate. The visitors emptied their sub bench and one barely noticed 'Wegians consolation try by Derek Boyle to leave the final score on the Dublin Road, Monivea 23 Galwegians 8. As mentioned before Monivea's man of the match Ger O'Connor had a huge game. In his first season at outhalf as well as kicking to perfection all day, he carried, tackled and harrassed as a veteran. But this was not a one man show. One to nineteen who took the field played as if it was their last day on a rugby field. With an average age of 24, this young side has a lot mor to offer in the coming years.

Monivea: Kevin Higgins; Ger Divilly: John Culkin; Felim Cloonan; Rory O'Connor; Ger O'Connor; Darren Blade; Eoin Rooney; Martin King; Pat Fitzmaurice; Willie Parker; Richie Lally; Fergus Farrell; Pat Devane(C); Ger Fitzmaurice; Subs:

Cathal Divilly; Ronan Coughlan; Shane McHugh; Brian McDonagh; Pat Blade;