BIG WIN FOR BUCCANEERS RFC Buccaneers 50 Sligo 0
RUGBY with MICK STAPLETON on behalf of Michael Silke
A third early-season outing for Buccaneers in the Connacht Senior League has yielded two solid wins and a narrow defeat as Senior Coach Tony Dolan and his staff continue to juggle with player resources. These included quite a few new and exciting faces who in the event easily disposed of Sligo after their continuous and robust endeavors were progressively thwarted.
While Bucs must prepare for a daunting first ousting away to Malone, Sligo who (with some of their preferred player options unavailable) struggled in the end having exhausted their defensive energies and indeed the frequent attacking efforts which belied their poor score and return. In their case, towering back forward James Wilson was prominent in a hard working pack, while their backs also tackled and carried gamily all day. Out-half Conor Kerins was entrusted with kicking duties, but a nil return was scant reward for this efforts. Ards (at home) is their first outing later in September so a “work in progress” status for them will continue.
Buccaneers, meanwhile, were glad to see some marquee names return such as Kilo Kiripati and Calum Boland, the latter full of running ideas at play opened up, presenting him with two try scoring strikes, angled and at distance as the second half progressed.
While the back-line continues to improve as tweaked and altered with different youthful combinations, the O’Connor (cousin’s) – Monivea, are starting to make a solid impact. Rory scored two second half tires from left wing with Ger standing in to effect at scrum half.
Buccs tally of eight tries in total (5 converted by Ger O’Connor) whose kicking is progressing to good effect; also was shared between backs – forwards in a solid team – building effort. Owen O’Reilly set the ball rolling after a seventh minute try off Boland’s run up the middle. Delahunt who hails from Tipperary hurler ‘Bonner’ Maher’s country, showed from an early stage that he is a young but burgeoning talent. In the 20th minute he broke from a ruck 15 meters out to dummy and crash over for a nice try. He also stole a turnover shortly after so this ability, if allied to the experience he gains is indicative of definite promise.
Staunton battled gamely at No. 8, as did Kolo Kiripati and with Tormey introduced at the break to partner Josh O’Rourke the latter can and did gain valuable experience in this company. Jacob Walsh vacated the scene at the break with a fast injury but the scrum remained stable and Niall Flynn and Conor McGrath (a later substitute) all got valuable exposure. While the pack worked hard all day it was good to see Diarmuid Higgins familiar face and solid presence back with them. Gallogly at 6 is making a setup with good purpose, while in the backs David Fagan also applied himself in order to get to the pitch and pace required. He was gaunt and did not shrink his stand in position.
Tormey indeed was also on the score short with this try (55th minute) showing his appetite for AIL battle is far from diminished.
The good turn-out of support at the newly seeded back pitch venue enjoyed the resumed pursuit of oval ball interests as the main GAA events draw to a close.
Buccaneers, if work rate on and off the field is indicative of prospects, continue to suggest they will compete well with their available and replenished resources. We wish the Connacht players who contribute to Buccs great success whether it be club or province who may call.
Buccs : E. O’Reilly, R. O’Connor, C. Boland, A. Hayman (Captain), H. Hughes, D. Fagan, G. O’Connor (Monivea), M. Staunton, K. Kiripati, P. Gallogly, J. O’Rourke, R. Byrne, D. Higgins, S. Delahunt, J. Walsh, C. McGrath, J. Tormey, N. Flynn, B. Walsh, J. Lopez
Sligo: R. Charles, J. Ripon, M. Allen, A. Spring, M. Rooney, C. Kerins, S. O’Brien, D. Heath, R Kerins (Captain), A. Williams, D. Cawley, J. Wilson, C. Mitchell, G. Connelly, R. Mannion
CLUB BBQ
A start-of-season club BBQ takes place at The Bounty on Saturday, September 6th. This is an ideal opportunity for all members and their spouses/partners/families to renew acquaintance or make new friends pre-season. Cover charge is only €10 which covers the renowned Bounty BBQ plus a complimentary glass of wine. Live music by ‘The Shakes’ will follow. You could not beat that value for a mere tenner so let’s see you all there! Tickets are now on sale at The Bounty or from our Administrator Geraldine 0861732711.