Galwegians picked up their first bonus point in a four-try victory over Belfast Harlequins in Crowley Park on Saturday. The fifth successive win for Galwegians in the AIB league was hard-earned as their Belfast visitors kept the pressure on until well into the second half.

It was not until Galwegians scored their fourth try in the 72nd minute that the victory was secure, a particularly vital win for the Galway outfit as they still have to face tough challenges away from home.

Apart from a brief spell in the first half, Galwegians led for most of the match. Outhalf Eric Elwood kicked a dropped goal and penalty before Harlequins responded with an 18th-minute try from Sheldon Coulter converted by Niall Malone. However, from then on, Galwegians kept their nose in front with a further Elwood penalty and the first of two tries from centre Tim Allnutt.

However, Harlequins stayed in touch with an Andy Park try on 36 minutes after he blocked a poor clearance kicked ahead and successfully won the chase.

Elwood added a further penalty before the break and, within three minutes of the restart, he claimed Galwegians second try. Harlequins had the consolation of scoring the best try of the day. Number eight and captain Ger O'Loan successfully robbed Galwegians and from the counterattack Ritchie Weir got in for a try to keep Harlequins hopes alive.

However, inspired by man of the match Johnny O'Connor, Galwegians added two more tries from Bryan Shelbourne and Allnutt.

Scoring sequence: Two mins: Elwood dropped goal 3-0; Six mins: Elwood pen 6-0; 18 mins: Coulter try, Malone con 6-7; 21 mins: Elwood pen 9-7; 34 mins: Allnutt try 14-7; 36 mins: Park try 14-12; 38 mins: Elwood pen 17-12. Halftime: 17-12; 43 mins: Elwood try 22-12; 60 mins: Weir try 22-17; 66 mins: Shelbourne try 27-17; 72 mins: Allnutt try, Elwood con 34-17.

Galwegians: W Ruane, G Duffy, P Duignan, T Allnutt, D Rumney, E Elwood, B Shelbourne, D McFarland, P Cleary, P Bracken, D Browne, M McConnell, B Gavin, J O'Connor, M Swift. Replacements: M Murphy for Duffy (25 mins), J Casserly for Browne, J Charlie for Swift, D Mescal for Shelbourne (74).

Harlequins: R Morrow, J Lowe, S Coulter, M Crothers, A Parke, N Malone, A Matchett, S Best, R Weir, D Scott, K Rabie, A Robinson, C Galwey, C McCarey, G O'Loan. Replacements: N Best for Galwey (52 mins), R Collins for Lowe (76), N McBride for Crothers (76).

Referee: David Napier (Ulster).