Buccs home to Corinthians
Buccaneers are home to Corinthians in the Connacht Senior League round three, the action kicks-off in Dubarry Park at 2.30pm.
Buccs are still pointless and will need to show significant improvement on their opening two matches.
However, they fielded relatively inexperienced squads in both encounters and will hopefully have a few of their more seasoned campaigners this weekend.
Danny Qualter has returned to Buccs and will have hopefully recovered from a niggly injury that has side-lined his return to the club. Still only 28 Qualter brings a big frame and a wealth of experience to the squad.
Rory Grenham is back training too; another who brings added nous as well as being able to play in a variety of positions. Much focus will also feature on Tabo Maree, a young South African who has joined the Athlone club. Rory O’Connor should add a cutting edge to the backline.
Meanwhile Corinthians recorded a comprehensive 50-10 victory over their arch city rivals Galwegians under the Corinthian Park floodlights last Friday.
Although they lost their opening game away to Sligo, they nevertheless notched 28 points in that defeat.
NUIG 11 Buccaneers 8
Buccaneers junior 1A team had to settle for a losing bonus point in a 11-8 Cawley Cup Pool 1 defeat to NUI Galway at Dangan on Sunday. On paper Buccs looked to have a decent side but the Students came out on top in an evenly contest.
Buccaneers: R.Fallon, G.Fallon, R.O’Connor, D.Mulvihill, R.Venter, A.Evans, C.Daly, L.Lashvilli, D.Browne, J.Kelly, M.Tallon, S.Kroupa; C.O’Grady, F.Galvin, T.Maree. Replacements: K.Kiripati, N.Harney, F.McDonnell, H.Stewart, C.Rooney-Digan, A.Kenny.
U20’s face Galwegians on Sunday
Buccaneers U-20’s also have home advantage when they host Galwegians at Dubarry Park on Sunday afternoon in a JP Fanagan Leinster League qualifier. U20 training takes place on Friday nights. All players to be togged and ready to go on the training paddock by 7pm.
First outing for youths
The first youth game of the season resulted in a good home win for Buccaneers against Monivea on Saturday. Tries for out-half Phillip Finnan and wing Alex Connors in a 29-0 win with Andrew Cotton and Noah Stewart converting one try apiece.
Buccs have a lot of work still to do at ruck time but showed some nice handling in the ideal conditions. This U-14’s squad have two teams in the leagues and will need to have more training if they are to flourish. Other top performers for Buccs were Ryan Nagle, Owen Egan and Senan Nugent.
Buccaneers: D.Cleary, J.Kelly, C.West, K Nolan, D.Dullea, P.Bourke, E.Claffey, R.Colleran, J.Ryan, R.Nagle, O.Egan, P.Finnan, S.Nugent, N.Stewart, A.Connors, A.Killian, A.Cotton, J.Bourke.
Minis coaching commences on Saturday
Coaching for Minis players up to U-12’s commences this Saturday morning at 11am. New players and beginners always welcome so come along and ‘give rugby a try’.
Interpros played in Athlone
The impressive Dubarry Park was a hive of activity on Sunday last when Connacht and Munster played a double-header in the interpro series.
Two tight contests unfolded with a gritty Connacht display earning their U-18’s a narrow 13-10 victory while the U-19’s were edged out 24-19 by the team in red.
Both Connacht squads featured a handful of upcoming Buccaneers players. Meanwhile, Connacht U-18 Women’s team featuring Ivana Kiripati and Eloise Clarke defeated Munster 7-5 in a low scoring affair in Dublin.
50/50 Draw
The latest winner in Buccaneers RFC weekly “50/50 Draw” is Grace Dowd and her prize is €150.
Condolences
Heartfelt sympathy is extended to Aidan Clarke and family and to the Heavy family on the sad passing of his wife Marianne. Deepest condolences are also extended to John Irvine and family on the sudden passing of his wife Mary. May they both rest in eternal peace.
