BARNHALL 12 BUCCANEERS 36
BUCCANEERS U-20s had a decent workout away to Barnhall on Sunday when they won by a 36-12 margin in bitterly cold conditions. Buccs were missing some regulars for a variety of reasons and availed of this friendly to give other members of their squad their chance to stake claims for starting positions in the upcoming key Donal Walsh Cup matches.
The first half was somewhat scrappy with the players, following the festive break, being off the pace. Nevertheless, they led 21-12 by halftime through tries by Evan Galvin, Conor McGrath and Harry Hughes, all converted by Sean Doyle. The midlanders were much more together following the change of ends and added another three tries courtesy of James Foley, Stephen Ward and Conal O’Brien whilst keeping Barnhall scoreless.
Prop Niall Farrelly was one of those to make the most of his opportunity in the pack where Galvin was terrific and Foley powerful. In the backline, Tom Finucane made a good impression while Hughes and Sean Dempsey put in strong performances.
BUCCANEERS:- H.Hughes; S.Ward, S.Dempsey, B.Gilligan, T.Finucane; S.Doyle, G.Fagan; N.Farrelly, C.McGrath, C.Walsh; J.Foley, C.O’Brien; O.Rowe, C.Morrissey and E.Galvin (captain). Replacements:- B.Kennedy, C.Irwin, R.Flanagan, N.Conway and D.Blackweir (all used).
