BUCCANEERS 73 GALWEGIANS 17
BUCCANEERS enjoyed a resounding and unprecedented 73-17 Connacht Senior League victory over champions Galwegians in front of a decent attendance at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday. Playing and weather conditions were near perfect with the pitch sporting a healthy sward of grass and looking all the better for it. While the new coaching triumvirate made just one alteration in the home backline, they continued to cast their eye over their charges and they made six changes in personnel to the pack.
Nevertheless, bouyed their opening day win at Corinthians, a youthful Pirates crew came flying out of the blocks against a more robust looking visiting outfit and they swiftly signalled their intent to lead 10-0 within a mere three minutes. Conor McKeon calmly dropped a goal in the opening minute and, within moments of the restart, the precocious outhalf was converting Alan Gaughan’s try after the centre out-paced the Wegians defence on the right flank.
Buccs showed commendable character by rebounding from a pair of setbacks after Evan Galvin was forced off with a serious looking knee injury just before the visitors pack mauled over for a 10th minute try by Paddy Finn. Eamon Dowling was fortunate eight minutes later not to have been sin-binned when he late tackled Callum Boland after the home fullback had grubbered ahead with the try-line in sight but, following consultation with a touch-judge, the referee issued a warning and awarded a penalty to the hosts. This was punted to touch in the right corner and, following the lineout, justice was done as Kolo Kiripati burst away for a converted try to put Buccs 17-5 ahead. Shortly afterwards, the midlanders had to show their defensive qualities when holding out the light blues close to the home line.
Kiripati, Graham Lynch, Stephen McVeigh and Shane Delahunt rampaged down the left flank just after the half-hour mark and, when the ball was transferred smartly to the opposite wing, Rory O’Connor showed commendable pace to skate through for a 32nd minute try. O’Connor grabbed his second try just six minutes later when he finished off more exhilarating interplay by Buccs who promptly added a fifth try in the final move of the half, McKeon the architect and finisher on this occasion as his improvised grubber kick wrong-footed the Wegians cover and the fly-half darted through to touchdown at the posts. He converted all first-half tries to give Buccaneers a commanding 38-5 advantage at the interval.
Buccs then ensured there would be no repeat of last season’s second half meltdown against the same opposition in the AIL when Harry Hughes finished off further enterprising play from side to side with a 44th minute try in the left corner. Wegians strongest weapon was their maul, which they did not make enough use of, but they put it to telling effect when replying with a 54th minute Doran McHugh pushover try converted by Aidan Moynihan to leave the score 45-12 in favour of the homesters.
The westerners enjoyed a brief period of dominance after this score but, just before the hour mark, the alert Gaughan fastened on to an over-ambitious floated pass inside the home 22 and the Buccs centre raced 80 metres for the killer try. Wegians responded with their best move of the match that yielded an unconverted 63rd minute try by David Symes. Buccs then showed that they too could maul effectively as Scott Flanagan finished off a 67th minute drive for a try on the left and a 59-17 lead.
The homesters’ energy, desire and handling were rarely matched by the holders who found themselves under near incessant pressure. From one such situation, Ben Carty and McKeon snaffled possession near half-way and the latter had the nous and pace to steam away for a 71st minute try at the posts. Darin Claasen made a late brief debut but he had time to send Gaughan scampering away to complete his hat-trick of tries just before the final whistle. McKeon maintained his flawless place-kicking, converting all ten tries in his tally of 33 points, to complete the 73-17 rout that amazed the supporters of both clubs, albeit from opposing viewpoints!
Buccaneers were highly impressive, their slick high tempo movement and quick support play leaving the visitors to chase shadows. The winners tackling, resolve and attitude too was exemplary and they enthusiastically turned over possession from a heftier Wegians pack on a consistent basis. There is an encouraging focus, purpose and verve about Buccs play that holds promises for tougher tests ahead. Galwegians will point to absentees, notably in their backline, but they clearly have more work to do before the AIL commences.
McKeon ran the show for a very fit-looking Buccs squad in which everyone contributed. Gaughan and O’Connor displayed their finishing prowess and Lynch will have benefited from the experience gained on only his second outing at this level. McVeigh and Michael Mannion stood out in a pack where Kiripati rolled back the years, particularly in the first half. Young debutants Barra Farrell and Conall O’Brien can be pleased with their endeavours too while the front row trio got to grips with the challenges they faced.
BUCCANEERS:- C.Boland; R.O’Connor, A.Gaughan, B.Carty, H.Hughes; C.McKeon, G.Lynch; J.Walshe, S.Delahunt, M.Staunton (captain); C.O’Brien, M.Mannion; B.Farrell, E.Galvin and K.Kiripati. Replacements:- S.McVeigh (for Galvin, inj. 8 mins), P.Gallogly (for O’Brien, 50 mins), D.Fagan (for Lynch, 55 mins), S.Flanagan (for Delahunt, 57 mins), D.Claasen (for Boland, 67 mins), R.O’Meara and G.Fallon.
GALWEGIANS:- R.Burke; S.Madden, D.Symes, D.Clarke, E.Dowling; A.Moynihan, B.Lee; J.Naughton (captain), J.Dineen, D.McHugh; M.Cummins, E.Tarmey; M.Towey, P.Finn and A.Ryan. Replacements:- R.Moran (for Dowling), J.Pimm (for Finn, inj.), J.East (for Naughton), C.Dunne (for McHugh) and J.Franz.
Referee:- Joe Doyne (Connacht).
BUCCANEERS 24 CREGGS 5
BUCCANEERS SECONDS tasted their first piece of action on Saturday night when they entertained Creggs in a junior friendly at Dubarry Park where the home side prevailed 24-5. Although a little disjointed in the opening half, after which they led 10-0, Buccs looked sharper and fitter as the game progressed.
Overall, the display was very positive, epitomised by teenager James Foley whose on-field endeavour matched that of his commitment to training to which he travels regularly from his home in Cork. The Byrne brothers impressed in the second row while substitute Rory Grenham was another forward to do well. David Fagan, Sean Flynn and Ger Fallon were pick of the backs. Buccs try scorers were Sean Flynn, Darragh Lennon, Conor McGrath and Jamie O’Keeffe with Fagan adding two conversions.
BUCCANEERS:- G.Walsh; J.Lopez, B.Walsh, S.Flynn, G.Fallon; D.Fagan (captain), N.Purcell; K.Grehan, C.McGrath, D.Lennon; S.Byrne, R.Byrne; N.Flynn, J.Foley and P.Gallogly. Replacements:- R.Grenham, T.Thompson, I.Tuimauga, J.O’Keeffe, C.Shanley, L.Didebashvile and E.Mannion.
BUCCS CAN CLINCH SENIOR LEAGUE TITLE AT SLIGO
The destination of the Connacht Senior League title is in Buccaneers own hands when they venture to Hamilton Park to tackle Sligo on Saturday, kick off 2.30 p.m. Buccs are in pole position but must not take anything for granted against the north-westerners who will surely provide dogged opposition on their own ground where they overcame Corinthians 25-19 last Friday. The home players will be boosted by that victory and will also be keen to impress new coach Peter Bracken prior to the AIL kick-off.
But Buccs have been in sparkling form so far, even if both opponents to date did not rise to expectations, and the chief worry for a mainly youthful Pirates side could be complacency. However, coach Brett Wilkinson will surely curb that and keep his crew focussed on the task on hand as Buccaneers seek a first Senior League title since 2007. Two swallows may not a summer make, but Buccs look clearly on the right track as they rehab from last season’s fadeout and they look a formidable unit in the making. So lets see sizeable support for the Pirates as they chase silverware in Sligo.
FAMILY DAY FOR VISIT OF SHANNON
The Ulster Bank League commences on Saturday, September 12th, when nine times champions Shannon come to Dubarry Park for a much-anticipated Division 1B fixture. This promises to be a really hectic day at Buccaneers as Membership Registration will be taking place and the club will be hosting its annual Family Day when it is planned to open the revamped and refurbished Lower Deck. A huge amount of work and effort is in progress for the occasion and Bouncy Castles, face-painting and other activities will take place so bring the kids along. Admission to this first AIL game of the season will be FREE to all who come to check out what the club has to offer and make it a date for your diaries!
There will also be a pre-match function for this big match with a 3-course meal plus wine in The Bounty. Cover charge for this event is just €30 per person. Groups or individuals welcome. Contact Geraldine Kenny at 0861732711 or Pat Hynes at 0876883833 to book.
LAYDEN SKIPPERS CONNACHT
SHANE LAYDEN skippered Connacht Sevens that included Daniel Qualter to third place in the World Sevens Finals at Thomond Park last weekend. Meanwhile, Connacht enjoyed further success with a fine win over Munster at the same venue when Jack Carty, Rodney Ah You, Tiernan O’Halloran and David Heffernan all contributed to this notable victory.
CONDOLENCES
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Tom Caulfield who, for some years, was the club’s groundsman. Ar dheis De a anam.