LOUGHREA 0 BUCCANEERS 29
BUCCANEERS U-15s recorded an impressive 29-0 victory away to Loughrea in the Connacht League on Friday afternoon. On a dull but dry day, wind assisted Buccs came flying out of the blocks to lead 17-0 in little over 10 minutes.
Cooper So set the ball rolling with a smart angled run to dot down wide on the left after just 2 minutes. Good handling 3 minutes later was capitalised on by Mateus Galego and Eoghan Silke converted this try. Buccs then won a scrum against the head to give the platform for Robbie Norton to score a try at the left corner flag.
The young Pirates did not add to their tally, not availing of several other scoring opportunities, and so their advantage at halftime remained 17-0. It was key that they scored first after the change of ends and a free-flowing attack was finished off by Silke wide on the left. Loughrea battled bravely but the Athlonians defence stood firm and they sealed their win when Kenzie Molloy tapped a penalty to power over for Buccs fifth try. Silke added an excellent conversion to complete the 29-0 margin for the winners who put in a well-balanced display with Darragh Campbell their outstanding performer.
BUCCANEERS:- C.Rowan; M.Galego, D.Igoe, R.Bourke, R.Norton; C.So, S.Gunning; C.Watkinson, C.Donoghue, K.Molloy; N.Gill, C.McCarthy; A.Chatterton, E.Silke and D.Campbell. Replacements used:- O.Kilcommons and L.Marin.
BUCCANEERS 24 CARRICK-ON-SHANNON 17
BUCCANEERS U-16s played their Carrick-On-Shannon rivals in a replay of the Cup Final … but with a different result in this Connacht League fixture. This time Buccs came out on top implementing their game plan from the outset. Buccs had most of the possession but tigerish tackling by the Leitrim lads prevented inroads. Final score was 24-17 to the Athlone boys who conceded three tries through some paper-thin tackling.
Fergal Kelly scored 2 tries with one each from Danny Murphy and Donnacha O Sullivan. 2 conversions by Cian Kilcommons completed the Buccs scores. Buccs will have to improve if they are to continue their winning ways in Dunmore next time out. Captain Owen Murphy and wing Sean Norton were also outstanding in a good team performance.
BUCCANEERS:- A Costello, O Kelly, L Boakye, C Burke, C Kelly, J Murray, T Afinkaye, D Murphy, S Griffiths, J Heneghan, S Norton, N O’Donohue, F Kelly, D O’Sullivan, C Kilcommons, J Monaghan, N Rizaye, J Hurley, W.Browne, R.McKenna and J Costello.
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON 36 BUCCANEERS 33
BUCCANEERS U-14s travelled to Carrick-On-Shannon on a fine Sunday morning and came out the wrong side of a 36-33 scoreline. Best for Buccs were the returning Senan Rafferty and debutant Chris Kazywski. In an entertaining high-scoring encounter Buccs contributed with some audacious handling as well as great recycling. Unfortunately, some poor tackling was again their achilles heel. Corinthians away in next week’s league will be a step up for the squad.
BUCCANEERS:- D Carroll, O Donoghue, O Weldon, C Kaswyski, C Gilligan, F McNamara, R Power, R Keelan, J Gee, S Raffertv, K Costello, K McCormack, T Gunning, M Francis, L Connaughton, E Dullea, S Gaffey, E Killion, R Keegan and T Mullin.
