FIRSTS AWAY TO BANBRIDGE
BUCCANEERS SENIORS are northward bound on Saturday where they will be striving to shoot down Banbridge at Rifle Park when the sides clash in the Energia All-Ireland League. This Division 1B match kicks off at 2.30 p.m.
The Ulster side have lost four of their last five matches including a 44-13 defeat at Dubarry Park and they languish just one point above bottom club Malone. New coach Rob Logan is rebuilding and restructuring his squad and is likely to have James Humphreys at flyhalf. He could also feature Ulster contingent Callum Reid, Rob Lyttle, Greg Jones and David McCann in his side. Banbridge may not have got all the results they have merited so far but on their own neat ground in front of passionate supporters they will doughty battlers. Buccaneers may need to replicate their second half display against Naas to prevail but, overall, the midlanders should possess the necessary firepower for a first win at this Co. Down ground.
U-20’s AWAY TO NAAS
BUCCANEERS U-20’s just could not find a way to unlock the Corinthians rearguard last week and they will need to improve on their decision making when they face Naas in the J.P.Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 at Forenaughts on Sunday.
Naas may be at the wrong end of this league table but they will provide a stern test for the Pirates on their own sod. The Cobras gave Dublin University a close run in their most recent outing, a win that nosed Trinity above the Athlone side on the leaderboard. Workrate and industry will not be found wanting in Buccs ranks but they lack that bit of the unexpected that Ruaidhri Fallon provided. The talented young Curraghboy player is currently a loss for he has massive potential that could be capitalised on had he more patience. Buccs looked a bit rusty against Corinthians and, hopefully, they will have ironed out their shortcomings ahead of the 2.30 p.m. kick-off on Sunday.