MIXED FORTUNES FOR GIRLS TEAMS
The impressive Connacht Division 1 League Campaigns for Buccaneers Girls U-14 and U-16 Teams came to an end on Saturday.
The U14’s reached the First Division League final against a very well drilled Creggs in Ballinasloe on Saturday last on a very sticky, heavy pitch. Based on their earlier meeting it promised to be a close affair and so it was in the first half where Creggs simply held the ball and phase after phase of their attack was thwarted by a huge Buccaneers defensive effort. It took 18 minutes for Creggs to breach the line and score in the corner and they maintained the pressure and bundled through having been held up several times to score a converted try just before half time.
The heavy ground did not suit our dynamic midfield and we simply could not get the ball wide fast enough, credit to Creggs. Despite driving into them for the first 10 minutes of the second half Creggs were resolute and kept Buccs at bay who simply could not get enough possession and the winners rucking on the day was superior.
The toll of tackling told on our smaller squad and in the last 15 minutes Creggs scored a breakaway try and the Athlone girls fate was sealed. Creggs added more tries as Buccs threw caution to the wind against a better team on the day who triumphed 38-0.
Despite the result Buccaneers are so pleased with the League campaign and acknowledge the significant achievement of securing a Connacht U-14 Division 1 League Silver medal which will be presented at the season end.
Following the match all the Girls enjoyed a Post Match meal back at the Club where the mood was lifted by the congratulations and genuine affection and support that this team and Girls Rugby has within the Club. With the prospect of spring rugby, the Connacht Cup comes around where we know there will be better days!
BUCCANEERS:- E.Galvin; A.Nolan, M.Malassou, M.Fralkova, L.Glennon; E.Mallon, R.Fleming; M.Bassey, E.West, M.Lowry; C.McEnroe, A.Keogh; F.Hannan, S.Trainor and E.Brady. Replacements:- E.Hanlon, S.O’Meara, R.Finneran and T.B.Linney.
Buccaneers U-16 Girls secured 3rd place in the Connacht League against Tuam/Oughterard in perfect conditions at Tuam on Saturday morning. The final score 52 (8t 6c) to 22 (4t 1c) did not in any way flatter our girls who simply took the opponents apart with forward dominance allowing the backs do their thing. This was particularly pleasing as Buccs had not a great day earlier in the League, suffering a 25 points defeat to the same opposition in Oughterard back in October. The result earns a third seeding for Buccaneers.
BUCCANEERS:- O.Collins; O.Turner, K.Mallon, S.Monzon, C.Shortall; S.Fleming, C.O’Connor; M.Nyikasani, S.Somers, K.Sylvester; H.Larkin, C.Larkin; C.Heneghan, A.Dullea and G.Eivers. Replacement:- N.Mulchrone.
The main thing now for both squads is to keep up the momentum to the end of season. There are a few items to improve on while a lot has been learned from the successful League campaigns. Training for the Connacht Cup and the second half of the season resumes on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
