BUCCS HOME TO NENAGH ORMONDE ON SATURDAY

BUCCS HOME TO NENAGH ORMONDE

BUCCANEERS tackle Nenagh Ormonde in the third series of Energia All-Ireland League fixtures at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday afternoon. Kick off for this encounter, which will also have the John McCormack Memorial Cup at stake, is at 2.30 p.m.

Nenagh lost their opening match 32-24 at home to promotion favourites MU Barnhall and were inactive last weekend when their scheduled Tipperary derby clash against Cashel fell victim to Covid-19. That game was deemed a draw and will not be rescheduled. With John Hayes operating at No.8 in a well-drilled pack, Buccs can expect a searching test in this joust.

However, the homesters will be hoping to get back to winning ways following their narrow defeat away to Ballymena. They hit the ground running in their opening day win over Cashel but paid dearly for a very sluggish opening quarter against the Braidmen. The Pirates cannot afford to be so lethargic again while good discipline must be maintained.

There have been encouraging signs in both AIL games to date. A bright start against Cashel followed by stout defending in the second half of that contest. Then, after a dire opening period against Ballymena, the midlanders worked ceaselessly to get back on level terms early in the second half up north. But they just could not secure a fourth try that could have earned a share of the spoils and further points on the league table.

With a few tweaks a potentially exciting Buccaneers outfit can regain their momentum so come along and cheer on The Buccs!