BUCCS HOME TO CLOGHER VALLEY
BUCCANEERS commence the second half of the Energia All-Ireland League with a home tie against Clogher Valley at Dubarry Park on Saturday. Kick-off for this Division 2A fixture is 2.30 p.m. in what is the first of three games in a row against Ulster clubs.
Buccs were disappointingly flat and off-colour when the teams met pre-Christmas with the Tyrone outfit enjoying a clearcut 43-13 win that keeps them in third place on the league table. The northerners have a compact, pacey youthful side that the Pirates could not match The Cran. Buccs will need to be more tuned in on this occasion and they will surely give a much better account of themselves.
Leo MacFarlane suffered a broken jaw very early in that game at Fivemiletown and his absence will be felt. But the midlanders should be stronger if David Colgan, Tom Cotton and Tom Shine are fit for selection while Dan Donovan has served his one match suspension. The festive break should also help skipper Corey Reid shake off his niggly injury. Donncha Connolly or Abel Bouwens look likely to fill the key scrumhalf role.
With a stronger panel available and a more focussed attitude and application, Buccaneers can atone for their below par display last time out. As with all home matches this season, 20% of gate receipts will be donated to a local charity with Athlone Animal Haven being the beneficiary this Saturday.
SECONDS IN CUP ACTION
BUCCANEERS Seconds face a daunting test in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Cup when Dunmore visit Dubarry Park on Sunday. The east Galway club are among the pacesetters in the league backboned by a trio of South Africans and also featuring former Ireland Sevens player Josh Rowland. Buccs will need to be at their focussed best for this encounter which kicks off at 2 p.m.
Buccaneers Womens team are also home on Sunday when they take on Tuam in the Bank of Ireland Womens League with their game getting under way at 1 p.m.
