BECTIVE RANGERS 21 BUCCANEERS 50
Buccaneers U20’s produced an outstanding attacking display at Energia Park, Donnybrook, on Sunday, running in eight tries to secure an emphatic 50-21 victory over Bective Rangers in their J.P.Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 match. The Athlone side combined powerful forward play with clinical finishing to claim a deserved bonus-point win on the road.
The visitors made a strong start and quickly established control through a dominant pack and sharp attacking play. Conor Spellman crossed twice in the opening half, while further tries from Kaylum Curran and Paul O’Sullivan, who also dotted down twice before the interval, helped Buccaneers build a commanding 31-7 half-time lead. Buccaneers played with confidence and ambition throughout the first forty minutes, moving the ball effectively and taking advantage of their opportunities to keep the Bective defence under constant pressure.
Any hopes of a home revival after the break were quickly extinguished as the Pirates continued to attack with purpose. Ciaran West opened the second-half scoring before Matthew Turner added another well-worked try. Kailin Blessing completed the try-scoring spree as Buccaneers maintained their intensity until the final whistle.
Worthy of mention were standout performances from Curran whose kicking boots were undoubtedly on display today, both from the tee and the hand. In the forwards, whilst difficult to single out any one player, Dan Doheny was worthy of a mention for his tenacity and leadership throughout. Defensively, Buccaneers were equally impressive, showing great discipline and commitment when Bective enjoyed periods of possession. Strong work at the breakdown and solid set-piece execution provided the platform for an excellent all-round team performance.
The victory continues the U20’s positive start to their campaign and will give the squad plenty of confidence heading into the coming rounds. A comprehensive performance from the young Pirates, whose blend of physicality, skill and finishing proved too much for their Dublin hosts on the day.
BECTIVE RANGERS:- H.McDonnell; C.O’Neill, C.MacLachlann, C.Walsh, S.McKenna; P.Peters, L.O’Brien; M.Sanon, L.Loughrey, A.Crowley; R.Gargan, J.Donohoe; T.Curtin, T.Murray and J.Sullivan. Replacements:- A.Reilly, E.Quigley, K.Burke, C.Kinsella, D.Healy, J.Carroll and J.Nugent.
BUCCANEERS:- E.McKeigue; D.Kelly, O.O’Donoghue, R.Colleran, P.O’Sullivan; K.Curran, H.McGowan; K.Blessing, S.O’Connor, E.Rooney-Digan; C.Spellman, P.Bourke; E.McMickan, D.Doheny and K.Byrne. Replacements:- S.Glennon, T.Coleman, C.West, M.Turner and J.Quinn.
Referee:- James Ahern (Leinster).
