Buccaneers head to Limerick for Round 14 of the Energia All-Ireland League and a Division 2A joust with UL Bohemian at the UL Arena on Saturday at 2:30pm.
Buccs accounted for the Red Robins 24-17 when the sides met early in the season at Dubarry Park.
The Pirates raced into a 24-3 half-time lead, a bonus point already gathered. Saul O’Carroll scoring a brace of tries.
Buccs were impressive in that opening half but changes at the interval by UL Bohs made the visitors much more competitive, the Limerick side salvaged a losing bonus point that looked unlikely at the break.
Buccaneers will be aware of the threat posed by cosmopolitan trio Conor Botha (South Africa), Ben Swindlehurst (New Zealand) and Mateo Ibanez (France). Vastly experienced Ian Condell is another who will give his all for the cause of UL Bohs while Paul Clancy, Teddy Rowesome, Darragh O’Gorman and Harry Byrne all have bags of potential.
So focus and application will be vital ingredients for the Pirates and complacency must be guarded against.
UL Bohs secured a vital and morale boosting victory away to Rainey Old Boys last weekend which was welcome following a run of three defeats that left them languishing in eighth position.
The win at Magherafelt has lifted them above Dolphin in the league table. Third placed Buccaneers are heading upwards again as a reward of their swash-buckling play since the New Year.
The 4G surface at the UL Arena should suit their high energy, slick handling style and, hopefully, the Athlone side will have a near full-strength squad to select from. If that is the case, then the Pirates should take the spoils.
Women’s cup quarter-final
Buccaneers women’s team have joined up with Galway Corinthians to participate in the Connacht women’s cup this season.
Their home quarter-final fixture v Westport fell victim to the weather last weekend. At time of writing, the Pirates ladies are endeavouring to secure a rescheduled date for this match.
