Garryowen got off to a flying start in the International Amateur Tournament in France by winning their opening game against Languedoc/Roussillon 20-13 in Limoux near Carcassonne. The Irish Champions had the benefit of the strong wind in the first half and took the lead in the 9^th minute. Following a peel off a lineout on the 10m line, the ball was moved quickly to the right wing where Ciaran O’Boyle rounded his man for an excellent try. Out half Alan Kinglsey landed the conversion from the touchline. The French side replied with a drop goal but the crucial score came on the stroke of half time. Kevin Hartigan burst through the defence from a blind side scrum on the 22m line where the supporting Kingsley took the inside-pass and offloaded to Conan Doyle who touched down behind the posts. The exchanges were teak tough but the Irish lads were up for it.  A penalty for the home side reduced the deficit to 14-6 in the 50 minute but Kingsley eased the Irish representatives to calmer waters with a further penalty (53minute) and a drop goal on 60 minutes.  Languedoc fought back to score a converted try in the 65^th minute but there was no denying the boys from Dooradoyle. When the final whistle sounded, they were camped deep inside French territory. Greig Oliver and his charges can now move on to play Romania on Friday night with confidence of a good run in this the inaugural staging of the amateur competition.

 

Team

W Staunton, C O’Boyle, C Doyle, K Hartigan, B O’Shea, A Kingsley, D Ryan, R Brosnan, P Humphreys, D Lavery ( L Og Casey 60m), E Mackey, D Sheehan, P Neville (capt), A Kavanagh (B O Mahoney 65m), P Malone.

 

Scorers

C O’Boyle try

C Doyle try

A Kingsley 2 con, pen, dg.