BUCCANEERS 38 GORT-MONIVEA 12
BUCCANEERS GIRLS team were clearcut 38-12 winners over Gort-Monivea in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Girls U-14 Cup final played in bright and windy weather at the splendid Dexcom Stadium on Sunday. Buccs had first benefit of both the breeze and slope and got an early grip on the proceedings to build up a 26-0 lead by the interval. The amalgamation side made a spirited fightback following the change of ends but the Pirates lasses finished strongly to claim a first Cup at this level for the Athlone club.
Buccs early pressure was rewarded with a 4th minute try at the posts by Eliza Mallon and she added the conversion. Five minutes later her garryowen caused chaos in the opposition rearguard and Tara Bella Linney took advantage to pirouette over for a well-taken try also converted by Mallon. On 13 minutes a strong break by Laoise Glennon was finished by Linney and just before halftime a barnstorming burst by Amelia Kenny following a scrum yielded Buccs fourth try. Mallon’s conversion gave the Pirates a healthy 26-0 lead at the interval.
Gort-Monivea’s best player Ava Maher made a great break to score a try that instilled hope in the combination outfit just after the change of ends. Shortly afterwards a converted try by Frances Ntente reduced their arrears to 26-12 and it was game on, especially as the breeze was now more influential.
However, Buccs regrouped to ride out the storm and indeed finished strongly. Aoibhinn Nolan was held up but Mallon was benefactor of good interplay to notch her second try which she also converted 16 minutes into the second half to steady the Pirates ship. Kaci Coleman then stormed forward in the closing stages to send Kellie O’Connor in for a try to complete her side’s 38-12 winning margin.
Buccaneers handling and finishing was sharper than the combination outfit and their resolve was formidable when required. Gort-Monivea will take satisfaction of their achievement in reaching this decider but the Athlone standard bearers can be justifiably proud of their endeavours overall as well as being the first girls’ team from the club to win silverware. All in all it was a splendid squad performance.
BUCCANEERS:- K.O’Connor; T.B.Linney, F.Hannon, L.Glennon, E.White; E.Mallon, A.Nolan; M.Reddin, A.Kenny, J.Berry; S.Gill, K.Coleman; F.Ryan, E.Hanlon and E.West (captain). Replacements used:- M.Santana and E.Collins.
GORT-MONIVEA:- L.Burke; A.Maher, F.Ntente, V.Czibere, L.Spellman; K.Burke, K.Geary; C.Sopelza, G.Meehan, E.Colgan; E.Linnane, T.Chindavata; L.M.Forde and A.L.Conneely.
Referee:- S.Lyons (Connacht).
