BUCCS HOME TO OLD WESLEY
BUCCANEERS welcome Old Wesley to Dubarry Park for their first home game in this season’s Energia All-Ireland League. This Division 1B tie, for which the club is hosting a pre-match lunch, kicks off at 2.30 p.m. This match is sponsored by OLIVER CARTY FAMILY.
Old Wesley were the division’s top scorers in the opening round, scoring 37 points against Naas. They scored 5 tries with Ian Cassidy’s boot adding the extra 12 points. The metropolitans got off to a flyer, winger David Poff opening their scoring with a first minute try so Buccs will need to be on their game from the kick-off. Alex Molloy and hooker Howard Noonan tries helped them to a 21-7 halftime lead against the team who had thwarted their 1A ambitions last season. Reuben Pim and Tommy O’Callaghan added second half touchdowns for a comprehensive victory as Old Wesley, who had a strong scrum and combative second row, finished strongly.
Buccs also finished the stronger away to City of Armagh, albeit they had left themselves too much to do at the Palace Grounds. If Ciaran Booth and Sam Illo are available they will boost the pack where Matthew Burke will have benefitted from his first outing in some time. Meanwhile Steveni Lombard’s arrival will provide further competition in the front row.
The Pirates will need to show more aggression from the off this weekend and, if the forwards can hold their own, then there is a potent backline capable of profiting from decent possession. A lively duel looks likely.
PRE-MATCH FOR OLD WESLEY FIXTURE
Buccaneers are holding a pre-match function in The Bounty for their opening home All-Ireland League fixture when Old Wesley come to Dubarry Park on Saturday. Cost includes meal with complimentary wine plus free admission to the match. Groups or individuals can be catered for. Contact Geraldine at 0861732711 to book.
