BUCCANEERS J1’s had another tough evening when going down 21-0 to Creggs in their Connacht Junior 1A League game played under the Dubarry Park floodlights on Saturday night.
Creggs had first benefit of the gale force breeze and pinned the home side deep in their own half with their fly-half’s kicking skills being maximised. Buccs were forced to concede penalties but five for being offside was avoidable. Creggs put points on the board from two placekicks. Although Buccs defended resolutely with the forwards standing up to Creggs pressure, the visitors eventually broke through for a try which gave them a 13-0 lead at half-time.
In the second half, Buccs disappointingly kicked away too much possession and even though the home scrum was strong the Pirates did not get reward for it. Penalties continued to be conceded, granting relief to Creggs, and they duly converted one to stretch their lead. The westerners sealed the issue when they intercepted an attempted quick lineout by the hosts and they ran in for a try to complete their 21-0 victory that keeps them very much hot on the heels of leaders Connemara.
These back to back fixtures with Creggs have been frustrating for Buccaneers as decent squads just did not click for most of these matches. Matthew Murphy never stopped working in the pack where Darren Buckley and Anthony Shine-Lynch also did well. On the positive side, Darragh Murray made his first adult appearance for Buccs and it was good to see Ross Flanagan and Brian McDonnell back in action after injury while Dylan Rogers was another notable returnee.
BUCCANEERS:- Eoin O’Reilly; H.Hughes, C.Reid, R.Teape, C.Forde; M.Hanley, C.Daly; O.Kiernan, D.Buckley, M.Murphy; A.Shine-Lynch, D.Murray; B.McDonnell, T.Gilheany and O.Treacy. Replacements:- T.Thompson, D.Rogers, R.Flanagan, G.Fallon and T.McGann.
