Buccaneers Touch Rugby players win Gold, Silver and Bronze at Junior Euros
Buccaneers Touch players brought back quite a few medals from the European Junior Touch Championships in Coventry.
The Ireland Mixed 20s pulled off a sensational victory against favourites England in their final, winning 9-6 with a very strong second half performance. The MX20s held the home side to just one try in the second half while scoring 5 themselves. Buccs’ Aoibhín Tynan picked up a Gold Medal which would have lessened the disappointment of missing most of the tournament with injury. John and Philip Finnan were also key players for Ireland with John finishing as top scorer with 14 tries as well being named tournament MVP. The two brothers linked up in the end zone for one memorable score in the final.
Niamh Purtill and her Ireland Mixed 18s team picked up a valuable Silver Medal, beating Belgium 12-9 in Sunday morning’s semi-final before going down to England in the final. Niamh was co-captain of the MX18s and she became the first Buccaneers Touch player to reach 40 international caps in the game against the Cayman Islands.
Mollie Quinn captained the Girls 18s to a Bronze Medal in their division and local players Caitlin Bastic and Mya Gill were also part of the G18s squad, making their debuts in the competition.
Oisín Moran and the Ireland Boys 18s team came close to a Bronze medal but Wales were too strong winning 11-5. Oisín scored 4 tries during the competition and impressed in what was his first tournament.
Rory Delaney was the youngest and newest Buccs Touch player at the EJTC and he helped his team to fifth place with a crucial try in the play-off against Portugal.
Well done to all the Buccs players who have once again done the club proud in Coventry.
Photos are courtesy of Gavin Cullen Photography and Sinead Purtill
