All-Ireland League Semi-finals/ Garryowen 8 Belfast Harlequins 15: Belfast Harlequins are headed for their first final with confidence sky high after leaving Limerick with another notable scalp.
They scored their second win of the season over Garryowen at a damp and gloomy Dooradoyle and having also beaten Shannon earlier in the season, see no reason why they shouldn't make their first visit to headquarters a winning one. Acting coach DC Gillespie was understandably elated after this victory against the odds but also acknowledged their good fortune at crucial moments.
On the other hand, he could also point to the staunch defence put up by his players in the opening 20 minutes and again in the final quarter when the home side vainly sought the seven-pointer that would have brought the game into extra time.
However, a combination of Garryowen incompetence - their handling of the greasy ball cost them many chances - and the magnificent Harlequins defence meant the visitors were able to hold out.
Forwards like Chris McCarey, Stuart Lamb, Neil Hanna and Matt Mustchin put their bodies on the line when the danger was greatest while the experience of Andy Matchett at the base of the scrum and the powerful left-footed kicking of outhalf Ian Humphreys also served them well.
Harlequins went in front in their first serious attack on 28 minutes with Greg Mitchell sending fellow centre WP Strauss away for a fine try in the left corner. Ten minutes later, Stuart Lamb got a slightly dodgy touchdown after a rolling maul only for Garryowen to remain in touch with a penalty by scrumhalf Gerry Hurley just on half-time.
Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Stewart Wilson cruised over in the right corner for Harlequins' third try after a nice loop by Humphreys. The home side narrowed the gap with a try by excellent flanker Paul Neville following a lineout. Hurley's conversion attempt came back off an upright and after that came wave after wave of Garryowen assaults that Harlequins did very well to withstand
BELFAST HARLEQUINS: J Lowe; N McKenzie, G Mitchell, WP Strauss, S Wilson; I Humphreys, A Matchett; J Carey, N Hanna, J Andress, M Mustchin, L McGowan, S Lamb, D Dougherty, C McCarey. Replacements: G Barbour for Lamb (63 mins), A Gillespie for Dougherty (74 mins), C Keown for Carey (79 mins).
GARRYOWEN: A Finn; D Heaton, K Hartigan, R Niland, A Purcell; C Doyle, G Hurley; R Callaghan, P Humphreys, R Laffan, M Melbourne, D Sheehan, P Neville, K Hartigan, P Malone. Replacements: C O'Boyle for Hartigan (45 mins), C Hartigan for Gallagher (52 mins).
Referee: A Rolland (IRFU).
