GORT 19 BUCCANEERS 10
BUCCANEERS U-13’s lost their Connacht Cup round of sixteen match 19-10 away to Gort on Sunday when a slow start was to prove costly for the visitors. Weather conditions of a cold driving drizzle and an appalling pitch that truly was unplayable for youngsters did not help the Athlone side.
Gort took advantage of this to lead 19-0 at half-time accumulating three tries (one converted and one a penalty try). This half was beset by handling errors by both teams, a reflection of the wet and greasy handling conditions.
Buccs started the stronger in the second half and continued to grow into the game throughout. This improved performance was rewarded with two fine tries scored by Fionn Cotton and Ben Gilligan. Unfortunately a couple of other real opportunities were not availed of in the challenging conditions. Gort did not really threaten the Buccs line in the second half with their attacks being snuffed out be ferocious Pirates defence.
In the face of relentless Buccaneers attacking, the Co. Galway club held on to win 19-10 that flattered the homesters. There will be a lot of positives for the young Buccs players as they now continue their journey in the Plate competition.
BUCCANEERS:- O.Burke; B.Aymerich, M.Dolan, F.Sheridan, F.Redington; C.O’Sullivan, I.Mulvihill-Wilkins; B.Gilligan (captain), A.Claffey, B.Shine; C.O’Keeffe, C.Duggan; C.Coughlan, J.Campbell and F.Cotton. Replacements:- E.Hardiman, H.McEnroe, E.Byrne, D.Fleming and S.Murray.
BUCCANEERS followed up their 30-13 home win over Westport by defeating Corrib 40-5 at Headford in the Connacht U-17 Cup.
