RUGBY with MICHAEL SILKE
BUCCANEERS 20
BUCCANEERS got back to winning ways in the Ulster Bank League but they left it until the final move of the match to outfox Dublin University when Kolo Kiripati rampaged through the Students defence for the vital try that snatched a dramatic 20-17 Division 1B victory. Played in much improved weather and on a pitch that is really standing up well, Buccs faltered after a promising start but fashioned a splendid score with the match clock “in the red” for a crucial win.
Buccaneers had a number of positional switches and three changes in personnel from the below par loss at Malone. Luke Satchwell returned after injury at No.8 with Kolo Kiripati moving to blindside flanker. Callum Boland and Conor Finn were also fully fit to start at fullback and centre respectively. Trinity arrived with a settled side that included recent arrival Sam Windsor at standoff and the Australian was influential in some of their best play.
Although the Students had the benefit of the elements in the first half, it was the Pirates who had the better of the early exchanges. They were quickly on the scoreboard when Jack Carty landed a fourth minute penalty after the visitors went offside. Six minutes later, the midlanders breached the College defence for a fine try. Carty and Mark Dolan linked up neatly to launch an attack that was carried on up the left by Satchwell. Shane Layden then made a super break harking back to his swash-buckling form of a couple of seasons ago and he got the ball wide to Billy Henshaw who cut back in from the right to send Layden powering in for an unconverted try.
Boland and Ariel Robles tangled chasing a kick ahead but referee Mark Patton whistled back for an earlier infringement and a kickable 13th minute penalty for Trinity that was missed by the usually reliable
However, they seemed to think further scores would follow handily while
Rain heralded the restart as Mata Fifita replaced Kiripati in the home pack. Buccs again started the better. Carty kicked a penalty to touch on the left but a knock-on in the lineout spoiled this position. He then opted for a kick to the right from a second penalty and, following the lineout, Buccs got a good drive going but, when the ball was moved to Boland, he was isolated and Trinity held their line intact.
The Students pounced on this second opportunity and Brian du Toit found a yawning gap on the Buccs ten metre line to race in for a try at the posts which
There was plenty endeavour in the final quarter but a lack of real quality as both sides erred regularly. Carty took a wrong option when trying to go it alone on 72 minutes when he had a two-man overlap to his left and then, after Trinity’s Paddy Lavelle was sin-binned following discussion with a touch judge by the referee, he drilled his penalty attempt to touch over the deadball line. The same touch judge soon drew the ire of home fans too when he flagged Kiripati (who had returned to action for Conor Kindregan on the hour mark) for a challenge on Angus Lloyd. A penalty to the visitors was the outcome, a harsh call against the Athlone standard bearers.
Buccs again demonstrated both the good and the frustrating aspects of their recent play. From a promising early dominance, concentration and focus dropped and they became disjointed and inconsistent. Boland shone throughout and was a worthy AUDI ATHLONE Man of the Match winner with Finn also busy in the backline while Satchwell and Reilly were most effective in the forwards battle. This College test report might read ‘must do better’, but the win will surely lift the Pirates sails and restore confidence in their ability and potential. Although UL Bohemian’s bonus point win against Malone edges them a point ahead of Buccs, the midlanders are still very much in the hunt for the playoff berth with both Corinthians and UL Bohs yet to visit Dubarry Park in the league run in. Meanwhile, Trinity will be disappointed to depart with only a losing bonus point, but it could be a precious one, and in
BUCCANEERS:- C.Boland; B.Henshaw, C.Finn, A.Hayman (captain), S.Layden; J.Carty, M.Dolan; M.Staunton, G.Halligan, P.Reilly; J.Tormey, D.Qualter; K.Kiripati, C.Kindregan and L.Satchwell. Replacements:- M.Fifita (for Kiripati, h/t), D.Higgins (for Reilly, 51 mins), K.Kiripati (for Kindregan, 60 mins), S.Macauley (for Henshaw, 60 mins), J.Walshe (for
DUBLIN UNIVERSITY:- J.Fitzpatrick; N.Adeolukan, E.Barry, P.Lavelle, A.Robles; S.Windsor, A.Lloyd; D.Crosbie, R.Halpin, M.Kelly; W.Scott, J.Kelly (captain); P.Dargan, B.du Toit and J.Dilger. Replacements:- A.Keating (for Crosbie, 25 mins), J.Boland (for Halpin, inj. 34 mins), N.McCarthy (for Dargan, 54 mins), P.Dargan (for J.Kelly, 68 mins), J.Costigan and C.Carriaga,
REFEREE:- Mark Patton (IRFU).
BUCCS AWAY TO CORK CON IN VITAL U-20 FIXTURE
BUCCANEERS U-20s are on the road to
With the
But it will be a tough, testing hurdle to overcome Cork Con whose strength lies in their pack. Like Buccaneers they have two players in the Ireland U-20 squad, hooker Max Abbott and tighthead prop Rory Burke who started both ‘Electric Ireland’ games in
Buccs are not the biggest of outfits but they are well-drilled and balanced with a decent depth of experience and potency in their mix. Halfbacks Ben Carty and Ricky Dixon form a vital cog in the side. Eoghan O’Reilly, Sean Doyle and Harry Hughes are classy backs and Sean Dempsey, Brian Gilligan, Robbie Ashe, Cormac Langan and Barry Goode are others who can be counted on in the backline. Upfront Saba Meunargia, Conor McGrath and the versatile Conor Morrissey will battle right to the finish. Cian Romaine and Josh O’Rourke are two hugely promising locks who must make their presence felt while Sam McCormack, Evan Galvin and Ross Enraght-Moony are a competitive and mobile backrow. Dan Kiely and Paul McLoughlin will also relish getting a taste of the action. Key to Buccs chances will be discipline, attitude and unrelenting commitment. If focus and application matches their potential, then Buccaneers are capable of upsetting the favourites.
OTHER FIXTURES
With Monivea and Claremorris being unable to field, both Buccaneers Seconds and Thirds were inactive last weekend. The Seconds are away to Galwegians in the Connacht Junior 1B League at
The Thirds are home to Castlebar in a rescheduled Connacht J2 League fixture with a 2.30 p.m. start at
PITCH USAGE!
All teams are again reminded that the main pitch at
LOTTO
Recent numbers drawn in BUCCANEERS LOTTO were as follows:-
28th January — 19, 23, 24 & 28. Mary Quain matched three numbers to win €200.
4th February — 9, 10, 16 & 23. Seamus Farrell and Jim Keane matched three numbers each to share €200.
11th February — 3, 8, 23 & 29. No winner.
The JACKPOT now stands at €7,000. The club thanks all who are supporting this draw.
CONGRATULATIONS
Hearty congratulations and best of luck to Laura Nicholson and Alex Hayman who got engaged on Valentine’s night. ‘Haggy’ is a true romantic after all!
Congrats too to Colin Kenny who played in Ireland U-18s impressive 26-9 win away to
CONDOLENCES
Deepest sympathy is extended to Cora O’Rourke and family on the death of her father Sean Potts, late of The Chieftains. Ar dheis De a anam.