BUCCANEERS SECONDS 19 TUAM 21
Tuam continue to hold an Indian sign over Buccaneers Seconds this season as they wrestled the Cawley Cup Plate from the midlanders grip at wet, windy and cold The Green, Creggs, on Sunday evening where the Co. Galway side came from behind to win 21-19.
As in their previous two meetings, Buccs had the winning of this contest but did not fully capitalise on a fine first half effort after which they led 12-7. Frankie Hopkins scored a neat early try converted by Sean Flynn but midway through the half Buccs did not exit well and Tuam responded with a converted try to level. The Athlone team then applied a lot of pressure but lacked composure to add to their tally until Darren Browne’s touchdown put them ahead at the interval. This score followed a high tackle by the opposing outhalf as Hopkins steamed for the line and Tuam were fortunate that their only punishment in this incident was a mere yellow card.
Although temporarily depleted Tuam started the second half agressively to take the lead with a converted try while the withdrawal of the influential Hopkins due to injury was a grave loss for the Pirates. A thumping Evan Gallagher tackle then turned over possession in midfield and Rory O’Connor made the most of it to run away for a try converted by Flynn. Tuam replied with a converted try from a tap and go close in penalty to regain the lead.
Their more physical approach saw two high tackles in quick succession go unpunished and, understandably, a brief flare-up soon ensued with Browne and the Tuam right winger seeing out the game from the sin bin. Tuam held out in weather conditions more suited to their style for a 21-19 victory.
BUCCANEERS:- R.Murphy-Sweeney; C.Rooney-Digan, H.Balsiger, R.O’Connor, T.McGann; S.Flynn, F.Hopkins; J.Kelly, E.Gallagher, C.Fokam; F.Galvin (captain), C.Walsh; D.Browne, C.Morrissey and R.O’Meara. Replacements:- J.Why (for Hopkins, 47 mins), C.Daly (for Gallagher, 58 mins), J.Downes (for Balsiger, 70 mins), K.Connolly (for Galvin, inj. 72 mins) and A.M.Abono.
Referee:- Gerry Geraghty (Connacht).
