The Buccs took an early lead through a try by Connacht interpro centre Tim Allnut which was converted by Justin Meagher. But Wegians soon got on top with a superior performance from their pack which gave their backs a suitable platform. A penalty from Eric Elwood soon reduced arrears, and on 20 minutes Galwegians took the lead when a lovely inside switch pass from Elwood found the very impressive Junior Charlie who burst under the posts for a try.

Elwood converted and added another penalty before Justin Meagher pegged the lead back to 13-10 with a penalty after a brief period of sustained Buccs pressure. But Galwegians finished the half the stronger and they got a deserved second try through Connacht centre Pat Duignan just before the break. Elwood’s conversion, though a formality, was a remarkable 23rd successful attempt at goal in a row in his last four competitive club fixtures, surely something of a record. This gave Wegians a 20-10 half-time lead which just about reflected the run of play.

The Buccs got back into it early in the second-half through a try by their enterprising scrum-half Chris Keane, which reduced arrears to 20-15. But it was Wegians who looked the more likely score, and Elwood streched the lead to eight points when he added another penalty on the hour, after an earlier missed effort had ended his 100% sequence. And Galwegians’ dominance and superior fitness eventually paid off when they got two late tries from their Ballina duo Gavin Duffy and Ger Brady, both of which Elwood converted to bring his personal haul to 17 points.

And so it was Wegians captain Barry Gavin who lifted both trophies for the second year running, thus completing a remarkable double double.