Any suggestion of a Connacht conspiracy to ensure Galwegians a home semi-final were easily discounted after a nail-biting conclusion at Crowley Park on Saturday.
With a 79th minute Eric Elwood penalty, Galwegians secured the narrowest of victories over a Buccaneers' side that belied its relegation struggle.
Man of the match Ted Robinson gave early warning of his ligthning pace before feeling the force of Ger Brady try-saving tackle, but within minutes number eight Colm Rigney had set up Simon Allnutt for Buccaners opening try. The player/coach, on a straight burst which exposed the Galwegian cover, rounded full back Gavin Duffy to score near the posts. Allnutt's conversion failed before he was forced to exit the pitch with a yellow card.
Elwood converted the resulting penalty and during a brief period of dominance, Elwood added a second some six minutes later.
It appeared Galwegians had finally got a grip on their nerves before the break when scrumhalf Bryan Shelbourne stole possession from a Buccaneers' scrum before finding the in-rushing Brady who finished in the right corner, giving Galwegians an 11-5 half time lead.
In a game of swinging fortunes Galwegians took advantage of Buccaneers' weakened pack, exposing the blindside fraility after Cahill's booking. Shelbourne created the space for left wing Denver Rumney before finishing off himself for Galwegians second try after 63 minutes.
Yet two minutes later Buccaneers were back up the field again and Robinson grabbed his brace with another surging run.
Holding a slender one point advantage, Galwegians hopes of a home semi-final were in greater jeopardy when substitute outhalf Cormac Glynn put Buccaneers into the lead with a drop goal on 77 minutes.
However, Elwood, so often the saviour, cooly slotted over the match winning penalty.
Scoring sequence: 12 mins: Allnutt try, 0 - 5; 30 mins, Elwood penalty, 3 - 5; 33 mins: Elwood penalty, 6 - 5; 40 mins: Brady try, 11 -5; Half-time: 11 - 5; 47 mins: Robinson try 11 - 10; 63 mins: Shelbourne try, 16 -10; 66 mins: Robinson try, 16 15; 77 mins: Glynn drop goal, 16 - 18; 79 mins: Elwood penalty 19 - 18.
Galwegians: G Duffy; G Brady, P Duignan, T Allnutt, D Rumney; E Elwood, B Shelbourne; D McFarland, P Cleary, P Bracken, D Browne, M McConnell, B Gavin, J Barfoot, M Swift. Replacements: J Charlie for Swift (37 mins), A Kershaw for McFarland (49 mins), J Casserly for Browne (64 mins), K Tierney for Cleary (80 mins).
Buccaneers: O Grennan; M Devine, J Meagher, G Austin, T Robinson; S Allnutt, C Keane; J Screene, J McVeigh, M Cahill, C Brownlie, K Barrett, I Dillon, E Brennan, C Rigney. Replacments: T Duignan for Dillon, C Glynn for Allnutt (70 mins), A Hanley for Brennan (71 mins).
Referee: D McHugh (IRFU).
