BUCCS AWAY TO SLIGO
It’s another Connacht derby for Buccaneers in their first away fixture of this season’s Energia All-Ireland League when they head north-west to square up to Sligo at Hamilton Park on Saturday. Kick-off is 2.30 p.m.
The sides will be familiar to each other having recently met there in the Connacht League and the Athlonians will be hoping to reverse the outcome of that encounter. The Shannonsiders left themselves too much to do on that occasion, allowing the Yeats county side build up a 28-0 lead. A stirring comeback fell just short and Buccs must guard against a repeat.
Sligo recorded a fine 31-17 victory away to Skerries last weekend, recovering from a half-time deficit to secure a bonus point win. Their pack was much the same as when the teams met last month so will be physical and organised. Flyhalf Euan Brown is their key man in the backs unit and he is a prodigious placekicker so Buccs discipline will need to be controlled. Their pack should be stronger this time round so, provided the Pirates get going from the start, they can upset predictions at the Strandhill venue
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JUNIOR LEAGUE COMMENCES
BUCCANEERS kick off their Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League with a trip to Castlebar on Saturday night where the action gets under way at 7 p.m. Numbers at training have been good and there is a decent mix of potential and experience in the Athlone club’s squad.
WOMENS LEAGUE ALSO STARTS
Buccaneers Womens team move from Cup to Connacht League action this weekend with a home fixture against University of Galway at Dubarry Park on Sunday when kick-off is 1 p.m.
