DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 12 BUCCANEERS 32
BUCCANEERS maintained their bid to capture the J.P.Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 title when they recorded a 32-12 bonus point victory over Dublin University at Santry on Sunday. But this ‘Super Six Group One’ win was not always as clearcut as the final scoreline might suggest for Trinity battled all the way while Buccs were not as sharp and cohesive as in recent outings. But they stuck to the task on hand and forged the necessary result that leaves destiny in their own hands in the final round of fixtures next Sunday.
A cool diagonal breeze on a bright day played tricks at times as did a very firm surface while the visitors were not helped by the absentees of backrowers Niall Tallon, Patrick Egan and Neil Botes through injury. Conor Ryan continued at No.8 with Eoin Murtagh, Luca Giles and Aindriu Oates coming into the pack. Dylan Duffy and Sean Doyle joined that injury list early in the first half, stretching the midlanders resources. Their play was disjointed at times but as the contest progressed they sorted out most of their difficulties and were good value in the end for their win.
The Students had first benefit of breeze but Buccs enjoyed more early possession albeit not at their usual tempo. Their defending was not what it needed to be when Ryan Sheridan escaped the cover all too easily to score an unconverted Trinity try in the left corner inside the opening quarter hour.
This stung the Pirates to up their tempo and Callum Kelly proved too strong for the home defenders when he burst through wide on the right for a levelling unconverted try on 20 minutes. Three minutes later he notched his second touchdown following good work by Murtagh and Oates and the winger touched down at the posts with Charlie O’Carroll’s conversion giving Buccs a 12-5 lead.
Ewan Joyce-Whyte and Robbie Foxe soon entered the fray in place of Duffy and Doyle respectively and the exchanges remained relatively even for the remainder of the half. But Trinity struck in the final move when Thiago Burgos Garces broke through on the right flank and was allowed touchdown between the uprights for another preventable try. Federico McGuckian’s conversion left the game deadlocked 12-12 at half-time.
Dublin University almost got through shortly after the change of ends before Thomas Cotton made terrific yardage in a move that was carried on by Ryan. O’Carroll continued it with a splendid crossfield kick to the left where Lorcan McCormack finished it off in style on 47 minutes.
The bonus point try arrived 8 minutes later, Cotton getting reward for his endeavours and Eoin Naughton’s offload to dot down at the left corner flag. Trinity’s restart did not go ten metres and Cotton claimed possession to race away but the referee surprisingly did not allow advantage so a clearcut chance went abegging. Then it was Buccs turn to get let-offs when O’Carroll did exceptionally well twice, firstly to chase down Gavin Keane and force a knock-on and moments later when Finlay Walker pilfered possession the Pirates scrumhalf put in another try-saving chase and tackle as Trinity hung into the contest.
But Buccs put the game beyond Dublin University in the closing stages. A superb maul following a lineout on the left was rewarded with a 72nd minute try by Foxe and in the final move Giorgio Racca finished off a good counter-attack for Buccs sixth try to complete the 32-12 victory.
Injuries and congested traffic likely contributed to Buccaneers sluggish start. They did not click as in recent matches but Trinity, bidding bravely to avoid finishing bottom, made this a searching test which may stand to Buccs next Sunday. Despite his place-kicking not having its usual radar accuracy O’Carroll was the Pirates key contributor. Kelly and Donnacha Connolly also did well in the backs while Conor Sheehan, Murtagh and Ryan were best in a hard-working pack.
BUCCANEERS:- D.Duffy; C.Kelly, T.Cotton, T.Sheehan, L.McCormack; C.O’Carroll, D.Connolly; S.Doyle, S.Rohan, A.Oates; L.Giles, C.Sheehan (captain); A.Saka, E.Murtagh and C.Ryan. Replacements:- E.Joyce-Whyte (for Duffy, inj. 24 mins), R.Foxe (for Doyle, inj. 34 mins), E.Naughton (for Giles, 46 mins), G.Racca (for Murtagh, 58 mins), S.Browne (for Saka, 74 mins), P.Egan and L.Cassidy.
DUBLIN UNIVERSITY:- G.Keane; T.Burgos Garces, E.Nuzum, J.Kelly, R.Sheridan; F.McGuckian, J.Gordon; F.di Giacomo, U.Smyth, C.Storey; H.O’Doherty, P.O’Neill; M.McQuiston, J.Perrem and B.Dyar (captain). Replacements:- M.Lavelle, F.Walker, C.Woodcock, M.Kennedy, H.O’Shaughnessy, M.Russell and E.Nicholson.
Referee:- Hugh Early (Leinster).
TABLE QUIZ
BUCCANEERS U-20s are holding a Table Quiz in The Bounty on this Thursday, March 13th at 8 p.m. Table of four persons €40. Raffle. Complimentary finger food. This squad and their mentors would greatly appreciate all support on the night.
