OLD WESLEY 26 BUCCANEERS 48
BUCCANEERS U-20s returned to the top of the J.P.Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 when they accounted for Old Wesley 48-26 in a high-scoring Super Six Group One encounter at Energia Park, Dublin, on Sunday.
The midlanders made three changes for this test with Kyle Barrett, Evan McLaughlin and Robert Costello coming in. In excellent conditions on the artificial Donnybrook surface, Buccs made a bright start with Gabriel Murphy finishing off a fine move for a 4th minute try and five minutes later McLaughlin got the Pirates second unconverted try for a 10-0 advantage.
Old Wesley got back into the contest with a brace of converted tries to take a 14-10 lead but Buccs finished the half strongly and were rewarded when Abu Saka got his side’s third unconverted try for a 15-14 lead at the break.
Tries by Paddy Egan, to earn a bonus point, and Dylan Duffy with a beautiful chip and chase in the opening moments of the second half gave Buccs the platform for victory and Saka’s second try on 50 minutes stretched their lead to 34-14. Conor Spellman put them in total control with his touchdown near the end of the third quarter.
Wesley rallied in the closing stages that got a bit niggly and they scored a pair of tries to earn a bonus point while Conor Dowling brought the Pirates try tally to eight six minutes from time as Buccaneers won 48-26.
Buccs dominated the scrums with their two sets of front-rowers on top winning penalties galore while, crucially, the lineout problems from last week were eradicated. Saka and Leo Anic carried at will and Evan McMickan pressured the home halfbacks constantly. Egan tormented the hosts from first centre when introduced for the injured Callum Kelly. Duffy gave a kicking masterclass with Murphy and Danny Reid also prominent in a dangerous backline.
OLD WESLEY:- J.Bennett; Z.Treacy, J.O’Keeffe, A.McAdams, J.Duffy; D.Gilmore, M.Plant; J.Cullen, J.Shirley, G.Agar; A.Gordon, K.Cussen; L.L’Estrange, S.McMullin and M.Campbell. Replacements:- J.McNamara, C.Doyle, H.Shannon, F.Kennelly and H.Jacob.
BUCCANEERS:- D.Duffy; K.Barrett, C.Dowling, C.Kelly, G.Murphy; D.Reid, R.Costello; E.Rooney-Digan, S.Rohan (captain), A.Oates; C.Spellman, L.Anic; E.McLaughlin, E.McMickan and A.Saka. Replacements:- K.Blessing, S.Glennon, R.Duffy, P.Egan, S.O’Connor, M.Turner and T.Trainor.
Referee:- Cillian Hogan (Leinster).
