Buccaneers 25-18 Corinthians
BUCCANEERS and Corinthians served up an all-Connacht Ulster Bank League Division 1B cracker at
Buccs made three changes from the side that impressed at
But Corinthians showed tremendous character to notch ten points in reply whilst numerically depleted. Miah Nikora opened their account with a 19th minute penalty and four minutes later made a break that was carried on by Cian Begley and finished strongly by Finn Gormley, who held off Layden’s challenge to get over the home line for a try which Nikora converted. Conor Kindregan was injured in the lead up and was replaced for Buccs by Mata Fifita. The pace was lively and the hits were hard as a buoyed up Corinthians endeavoured to now get a grip on the proceedings but Steve Macauley tidied up a break by Marcus Walsh while Layden made a telling tackle on Conor Murphy after the westerners had punted a penalty to touch on the right. Another penalty shortly afterwards was kicked to the left but again Corinthians were unable to capitalise in the face of relentless tackling by the Athlone side.
Buccaneers responded with Dolan sending Layden steaming forward from just inside his own half and his pass sent Conor Finn scampering down the left for a 35th minute try which Carty could not convert but Buccs were back into the lead. As the game flowed from end to end, Carty did not deal with a Nikora kick ahead but Walsh could not prosper from this chance before the home standoff redeemed himself by making a decent clearance. Nikora had the final opportunity of a sometimes frenetic opening half but his drop goal attempt sailed wide and so Buccaneers led 12-10 at halftime.
Within a minute of the restart, Corinthians went offside and Carty slotted over a penalty for Buccs who then brought on Billy Henshaw for the injured Dolan with Callum Boland moving to scrumhalf and Layden switching to fullback. With the tempo showing no signs of flagging, some exciting interplay by Buccs (and good advantage from the referee) on 50 minutes resulted in a wonderful try at the posts by Macauley. Carty’s conversion put Buccs in a promising position 22-10 to the good. David Panther erred for the
Corinthians showed their mettle with a late flurry, encouraged by the harsh 73rd minute yellow-carding of Buccs Jacob Walshe for perceived persistent infringing by the hosts. When fellow front row replacement Diarmuid Higgins joined him in the sin bin four minutes later after he collapsed a Corinthians maul, the visitors soon drove over for a try by the busy John Burns on the left with little over two minutes remaining. Nikora failed to convert and Buccs retained possession comfortably in the remaining time as they boldly endeavoured to fashion a dramatic late drop goal that would have sent the visitors’ home empty-handed.
It was a thrilling encounter with Buccs shading the honours in a game, sponsored by Russell Brennan Keane, that they simply had to win. Finn was a worthy winner of the AUDI ATHLONE Man of the Match accolade in a well-balanced and sustained effort by the full home squad for whom James Tormey, Garreth Halligan and Fifita did well in the keen forwards exchanges. Alex Hayman put in a Trojan effort and Boland and Dolan were other backs to play well. Gormley, Nikora and Panther were the main threats in the visitors’ backline while Gary Warde, Burns and Ultan Dillane were best of their pack. After sustaining just one defeat up to this week, Corinthians have now suffered two reversals within six days but the late try that salvaged a losing bonus point could yet prove priceless for them. Meanwhile, Buccs continue to build momentum following three good wins in succession as well as displaying a fine return to the form of early season and thus an exciting run in is very much in prospect.
BUCCANEERS:- C.Boland; S.Layden, C.Finn, A.Hayman (captain), S.Macauley; J.Carty, M.Dolan; M.Staunton, G.Halligan, P.Reilly; J.Tormey, D.Qualter; K.Kiripati, L.Satchwell and C.Kindregan. Replacements:- M.Fifita (for Kindregan, inj. 23 mins), B.Henshaw (for Dolan, inj. 46 mins), D.Higgins (for Reilly, 52 mins), M.Dolan (for Macauley, 56 mins), J.Walshe (for
CORINTHIANS:- D.Panther; B.Dixon, F.Gormley (captain), C.Begley, C.Murphy; M.Nikora, M.Walsh; M.Byrne, J.Merrigan, F.Bealham; U.Dillane, G.Warde; D.Phelan, J.Burns and A.Conneely. Replacements:- C.Rafferty (for Conneely, inj. 9 mins), D.Claasens (for Murphy, 65 mins) and C.Murphy (for
REFEREE:- Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU).
BUCCANEERS THIRDS and Connemara Seconds served up a full-blooded Connacht J2 League semi-final at the Monastery Field, Clifden, on Sunday before the midlanders progressed to the final on a 24-19 scoreline. This was a tight, hard contest, played with Cup-like fervour but Buccs were not to be caught napping on a return visit to this western rugby outpost.
Assisted by the Atlantic breeze,
Buccs kicked on following the change of ends with tries by Costello (ably deputising for elder injured sibling Darren) and Keith Grehan. The Blacks responded to take a 19-17 lead while a seemingly good try by Jack O’Connor was not allowed for the visitors, who also squandered some placekick opportunities. But Buccs showed the resilience and belief in this particular squad and they regained their momentum with Peadar Hennessy breaking home hearts with a fine try which Costello converted to complete a close 24-19 victory that, overall, was justified.
Buccaneers front row provided a match-winning platform with the outstanding Teape, Grehan, Martin Lyons and replacement Conor Galvin all making key contributions. Young Hennessy at No.8 also was a major influence. Scrumhalf Nicky Purcell skippered the team with aplomb while another rookie O’Connor performed commendably in the centre as Buccs advanced to face Corinthians in a repeat of last season’s decider.
BUCCANEERS:- M.Tormey; R.Sweeney, J.O’Connor, J.Shaughnessy, G.Fallon; G.Costello, N.Purcell (captain); B.Teape, M.Lyons, K.Grehan; G.Glynn, V.McGrath; N.Hyland, K.Kennedy and P.Hennessy. Replacement:- C.Galvin (for
A tale of two teams for Buccaneers as the U-14 Sharks chew through Galwegians
but the U-14 Tigers get mauled by NUIG
By Brian Tallon
BUCCANEERS 25 GALWEGIANS 7
For this encounter Buccaneers Sharks were facing Galwegians in the first round of the
The opening try went to Buccaneers after they won a scrum just inside the Galwegians 22. Buccs moved the ball quickly across their lines with good hands from scrum-half Shane Coughlan and out-half Tadhg Moody getting the better of the Wegians defence with two Buccs players over on the left side where centre Rory Dempsey was unchallenged as he crossed the line in the corner. Coughlan was presented with a difficult conversion kick and his attempt fell short of the mark.
For most of the first half both sides seemed evenly matched with much of the play moving between the 22’s and turnover ball changing possession several times over the next 15 minutes. Searching kicks from both full backs were aplenty with equally good returning ball. Mathias O’Neill took a heavy knock and was replaced by Paddy Ryan who switched with Robert Kelly into second row and Kelly to flanker. Buccs had the better of the possession and it paid off just before half time when they worked up close to the Galwegians five metre line where Cathal O’Grady was stopped just short only to recycle and have Liam Winnet get the better of the home defenders to crash through for Buccs second try close to the posts. The kick was easier and surer this time from Coughlan who converted successfully, giving Buccs a 12-0 lead at the interval.
Buccaneers were to stretch their advantage to 17-0 early in the second half when Dempsey made a break from the 22 giving the ball out to Ciaran Sugrue who offloaded to Adam Murtagh on the wing and there was no defensive cover to stop him going over for an unconverted try in the corner.
Galwegians got their only try of the game not long after the restart when a long pass from Coughlan in open play was intercepted by the blues flyhalf who ran through two tackles to cross the line right between the posts making the conversion a sure thing and bringing them back into the game at 17-7 with 20 minutes left. The next score came from a penalty to Buccaneers after a high tackle just outside Galwegians 22 and Coughlan made sure of his three points. The Sharks kept the pressure on Galwegians who didn’t seem to have an answer and, when they touched the ball down in their own try zone after Buccs came close to scoring, the ensuing scrum on the five metre line set up No. 8 Winnet nicely to crash through for his second try of the day right beside the posts making life easier for Coughlan to convert his kick and close out the game 25-7 to Buccaneers.
Buccaneers Sharks:- 1. Cathal O’Grady, 2. Darren Browne, 3. James Downes 4. Robert Kelly 5. Liam Doyle 6. Mathias O’Neill 7. Fergus Galvin 8. Liam Winnet 9. Shane Coughlan 10. Tadgh Moody 11. Jeffery Corneilius 12. Dara Mulvhill 13. Rory Dempsey 14. Adam Murtagh 15. Ciaran Sugrue. Subs- Patrick Ryan (for M.O’Neill) & Mark Tallon (for D.Browne).
BUCCANEERS 5 NUIG 24
The second match of the day in the U-14 Connacht Plate saw Buccaneers Tigers face another Galway team – NUI
The opening try came just five minutes in when NUIG’s very quick and nimble left winger ran through the Buccs defence to touch down in the corner. After a good period of play and phase rugby Buccs brought play into the NUIG half, but a loose ball in open play went straight into the hands of the grateful No.11 who wasn’t going to be caught as he ran half the pitch to score his second try. Their standoff found his kicking boots and landed the conversion to open the gap to 12-0. That was to be the last score of the half as both teams contested in the middle of the park with some great ball handling but not so good tackling by both sides, leading to periods of fine open play and turnover of possession, but no scores.
The second half saw most of the play with NUIG as they camped in Buccs half of the pitch. This pressure proved fruitful when their loosehead prop showed his mass and speed as he broke several tackles from the 22 to go over on the wing to leave the home team trailing 0-17.
Buccaneers rallied for a clawback and when No 11 for NUIG took the ball on the wing and looked clear for his third try, a superb defensive tackle by Tristan Buckley put him into touch. Buccaneers drove on from the lineout to bring play up to NUIG’s 22 and a great break by Chad Quinn supported by Robert Lowe looked certain to open the account for the young Tigers but they were stopped by good defensive tackling by NUIG and a relieving kick by the full back. Buccaneers kept on the pressure and got their reward when Buckley crossed on the right wing for Buccs only score of the day as the conversion was missed.
Moments later Buckley was to come to Buccaneers aid again, this time as he and Donagh Prendergast tracked across to deny a breakaway on the left wing by NUIG. Buccaneers had a scrum in their own half after several phases of rugby and a great break by Carl Doran at No.8 brought the play up towards half way and the Tigers looked to be advancing well. However, NUIG’s big No.1 was to put the nail in the coffin for Buccs though as he undid all the good work by charging through and breaking six tackles to score under the posts, leaving the conversion a certainty and the game over with five minutes left. Buccaneers weren’t to recover and the game closed out 24-5 to NUIG.
Buccaneers Tigers:- 1. Robert Lowe 2. Cian Daly 3. Cathal O’Brien 4. Keelan Connolly 5. Dara McManus 6. John Costello 7. Oisin Rock 8. Carl Doran 9. Kevin Maloney 10. Roan Byrne 11. Donagh Prendergast 12. Neil Clinton 13. Daniel Ennis 14.
Coaches Conor Galvin &
Buccaneers U-13s came up short against a well-drilled Sligo side in their
Both teams cancelled each other out in the opening period as they tested each other’s mettle in a white hot battle, particularly in the tight exchanges. Despite what the score line might portrait, this was a scintillating contest from beginning to end. The decisive score came after 10 minutes when
Buccs response was quick and impressive, charging deep into
On the change of ends Buccs immediately pressurised
Despite coming out the wrong side of the scoreline, this was Buccs most complete performance. They showed great heart, determination, fantastic commitment and no shortage of skill. It would be unfair to single out any individual performances such was the collective effort by everyone involved on the day. It was disappointing not to give everyone game time but due to the tight margins involved this was not possible.
BUCCANEERS:- Eabhan Slattery, Jack Martin, Conor Larkin, Darragh Murray, Shane Cunnane, Michael Byrne, Diarmuid McLoughlin, Chaz Alzoie, Dean Buckley, Evan Gallagher, Billy Dalton, Martin Fallon, Julian Devaney, Jack Scouler and Michael Lynch (captain), Replacements:- Shane Green, Fergus O’Sullivan, Vicente Gaetani, Scott Ward, Jesse Middleton, Daniel Westman, Faolan Kennedy, Ruaidhri Campion, Eoin Slevin, Ethan Connolly, Kevin Horan and Jack Buckley.
BUSY WEEKEND OF KEY FIXTURES FOR BUCCS
BUCCANEERS face a hectic and challenging weekend of key fixtures with the Seniors playing in Dungannon and the U-20s contesting the quarter-final of the Fraser McMullan Cup in Dublin, both matches on Saturday, while the Seconds have home advantage in the Connacht Junior Plate semi-final on Sunday.
Buccs Senior side travel north to
U-20s in All-Ireland quarter-final
Meanwhile, BUCCANEERS U-20s are on the road once more (and if they win on Saturday, then they are on the bus yet again the following weekend to Cork or Greystones!) as they prepare for battle in the quarter-finals of the Fraser McMullan Cup. Buccs were initially drawn away to Lansdowne at Kilternan but the metropolitans were withdrawn “due to an irregularity” (although at time of writing they could yet appeal this decision) and it looks like a tilt against UCD in Belfield awaits these young Pirates. With Lansdowne and UCD supplying the bulk of the Ireland U-20 squad between them, it will be a stiff test for Buccs regardless of which opposition they meet. However, this particular band of Buccaneers played with a swagger as they lost just one league match to date. They are not the biggest side physically but certainly won’t be found wanting in ambition or desire. They hope to have Saba Meunargia fit again after injury and Rory Moloney back from his Ireland U-20 exploits. Jacob Walshe, Cian Romaine, Sam McCormack, Eoghan O’Reilly and Ben Carty are other key contributors in this squad and coach Jude Lennon will be hoping that the Senior panel will not call on too many of them. If he can select his preferred squad, Buccs will put it up to whoever they are meeting. Keep an eye on the club’s website www.buccaneersrfc.com for information later in the week.
BUCCANEERS SECONDS are in action on Sunday when they take on Loughrea in the Connacht Junior Plate semi-final at
BUCCANEERS WOMENS team will get some international experience when they take on
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS to
Well done too to RORY MOLONEY on his third cap for Ireland U-20s as they ran champions
Congrats also to Lorna Stuart-Trainor of ‘A Room In Bloom’ on winning the ‘Floral Designer of the Year’ accolade at the recent Weddings Online Awards event in Clontarf Castle.
LOTTO JACKPOT €7,000
Buccaneers Lotto Jackpot currently stands at €7,000. Wouldn’t that be a lovely prize before Mother’s Day?! Just €2 per entry. Draw takes place in The Bounty on Tuesday nights. Thanks to all who are supporting our Lotto.
TABLE QUIZ
BUCCANEERS U-14s have been busy on the playing fields with some success of late and they are holding a TABLE QUIZ in The Bounty on Thursday week, March 27th at 8.30 p.m. Entry is €40 per team of four. All support will be very much appreciated, particularly from parents and families of all underage players in the club.