BUCCANEERS 47 THE ROCK 15
BUCCANEERS entertained Canadian side The Rock in a friendly played at Dubarry Park on Wednesday evening when the hosts proved too strong for the tourists on a 47-15 scoreline. The Pirates crew, a mix of U-17s and U-18s, hit the ground running to build up an early lead that the Newfoundland youths could not reel in on a bright and blustery evening.
A Philip Finnan break led to the opening score, a Kyle Byrne try wide on the left after just 3 minutes, while a good handling move was finished off by John Paul 7 minutes later. Super speedster Philip Finnan scorched in for the third try on 12 minutes and fullback Paul’s strong finish earned him a second try 5 minutes later for a 20-0 lead.
Paul O’Sullivan, who was unlucky not to score earlier, made no mistake when a second opportunity arose as he dotted down at the scoreboard corner. The Rock came more into the game as the match progressed and their impressive centre Keegan Williams’ barnstorming run opened their account with a 31st minute try that left the score reading 25-5 in favour of the hosts at the interval.
John Finnan capitalised on a number of Buccaneers carries to run in a converted try 5 minutes into the second half before Paul’s pacey break saw him complete his hat-trick 5 minutes later. The Newfoundlanders replied with an Aidan Snelgrove try.
The impressive Adam Murphy charged in for a brace of tries in the final quarter before The Rock’s Kaleb Yetman responded with the last score of the game. Both squads of 25 players used rolling substitutes throughout the match while Buccs try-scorers took their relevant conversion kicks, with John Finnan being the only successful one! Philip Finnan proved a handful for the visitors with Darragh Claffey and Paul O’Sullivan other lively backs. The highly industrious Murphy was pick of the pack with Sean O’Hara also prominent.
The Rock were delighted with the game and also the hospitality provided by Buccaneers. Exchanges including jerseys were made between both clubs with Eoin Reid presenting a specially created plaque by Sean Flynn to The Rock’s head coach Dean Blanks. Could a trip to the Canadian eastern seaboard be on the horizon in due course?!
BUCCANEERS:- J.Paul; S.Duffy, P.Finnan, P.O’Sullivan, O.Dunning; D.Glennon, J.Finnan; D.Cleary, C.McCormack, M.Doolan; E.O’Sullivan, S.O’Hara; J.Kelly, A.Murphy and K.Byrne. Rolling substitutes:- L.Leshona, T.Coleman, Rafa, R.Colleran, D.Dullea, J.Okeg, C.Doran, T.Herron and Y.Gaafar.
Referee:- George Enraght-Moony (Connacht).
