GALWEGIANS 38 BUCCANEERS 10
Galwegians proved too strong for Buccaneers in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht U-20 League with the Tribesmen easing to a 38-10 victory at sunny Crowley Park on Sunday.
Buccs actually opened the scoring with a booming Andy Quinn placekick but Eoin Cuddy quickly levelled with a penalty. But the Pirates self-destructed when twice losing possession midway through the half. Niall Tallon looked like his surge from his own line had cleared the danger but Robert McHugh grubbered the loose ball on the 22 and followed up to touchdown. Shortly afterwards, Buccs lost control of the ball following their lineout throw in the right corner and Liam Angermann swooped for an opportunist try. Cuddy converted both giveaway tries for a 17-3 halftime lead.
Riccardo Fionn Cattaneo stretched the home side’s advantage with a try soon after the change of ends to which Buccs responded when Callum Kelly won the chase to his chip ahead for a try converted by Quinn that reduced the Pirates arrears to 24-10. The impressive Cuddy wrong-footed the visitors defence to notch his side’s bonus point try before fullback Cattaneo grabbed his second late in the game. Cuddy maintained his 100% success rate with the conversions to complete the 38-10 win. The versatile Patrick Egan, operating in the centre on this occasion, was Buccs standout performer.
BUCCANEERS:- A.Quinn; C.Kelly, L.McCormack, P.Egan, M.S.Radebe; E.Joyce, D.Connolly; O.Donoghue, S.Rohan, A.Oates; D.Martin, T.McClain; A.Saka, C.Sheehan and N.Tallon. Replacements:- N.Botes (for McClain), S.Doyle (for Sheehan), L.Cassidy (for Donoghue) and B.Fox (for Radebe).
