BUCCANEERS 17 BALLINASLOE 7
The Bank of Ireland Connacht U-14 Girls Cup Semi-Final between Buccaneers and Ballinasloe took place on Saturday at Dubarry Park, delivering a fiercely competitive and entertaining contest.
Both teams showed great determination from the opening whistle, with strong tackling and committed play setting the tone for what proved to be a hard-fought battle. Ballinasloe started brightly and applied early pressure, but the Buccaneers defence held firm with some excellent tackles and disciplined organisation.
Buccaneers gradually began to find their rhythm, moving the ball well through the backs and carrying strongly through the forwards. Their persistence paid off with the opening score of the game, a try by Eliza Mallon giving the home side momentum and confidence.
Buccaneers showed great composure and teamwork, Mallon completing a hattrick of tries, and maintaining strong defensive efforts to keep Ballinasloe at bay. Ballinasloe responded well and continued to challenge throughout the match, eventually crossing for a final move try of their own. As the final whistle sounded, Buccaneers emerged 17–7 winners, capping off a superb team performance filled with effort, determination, and excellent rugby from both sides.
The victory means the Buccaneers U-14 Girls now progress to the Cup final, which will be held at Dexcom Stadium, home of Connacht Rugby. It promises to be a fantastic occasion for the squad and a well-earned reward for all their hard work this season. Congratulations to both teams for a great match played in excellent spirit, and best of luck to the Buccaneers girls in the upcoming final on Sunday, March 22nd.
BUCCANEERS:- K.O’Connor; T.B. Linney, F.Hannan, L.Glennon, E.White; E.Mallon, A.Nolan; M.Lowry, A.Kenny, J.Berry; S.Gill, K.Coleman; F.Ryan, E.Hanlon and E.West. Replacements:- M.Santana and E.Collins.
