BUCCANEERS 15 CLAREMORRIS 57
Buccaneers Women faced Claremorris Colts in what turned out to be an entertaining and competitive Connacht J1B League game at Dubarry Park with the visitors winning 57-15.
The Buccs squad faced a difficult week in the lead-up to the match, with illness reducing the numbers to just 15 available players. Despite this setback, the team showed great determination and resilience throughout the game. Claremorris got off to the stronger start, scoring early and building a commanding lead going into half-time. Buccs task was made even more difficult when one of their players received an early yellow card.
However, the second half saw a much-improved performance from the Buccaneers Women, who began to find their rhythm and work together as a team. With the forward pack combining well, Roisin Molloy spotted an opportunity to snipe around the side of the ruck near the Claremorris try line, touching down for her first-ever try and Buccs first try of the season!
This gave the team a much-needed boost, and they soon had their second try of the match. An excellent interception from Lauryn Merrigan saw her burst up the line before some quick support play brought Molloy over for her second try of the game. Unfortunately, Roisin soon found herself spending 10 minutes in the sin bin after being penalised for offside, but Buccs refused to let their heads drop.
Claremorris responded with a try of their own, but Buccaneers continued to battle hard. Aishling Gaynor began finding space and causing problems for the Claremorris defence, creating opportunities for Buccs to attack. One such opportunity saw Siva Malassou make an outstanding run, taking the ball deep into the opposition’s 22 before being stopped just short. With the support arriving quickly, the forwards kept the pressure on with a series of pick-and-goes, eventually creating the opening for Beibhin Keane to score her first try.
Sunday also saw five new players make their first appearances for Buccaneers Women:- Lauryn Merrigan, Gypsie Keogh, Shauna Kinsella, Helena Lawlor and Kamile Zamkaite.
BUCCANEERS:- A.Gaynor; N.O’Dwyer, S.Malassou, E.Murray, L.Merrigan; A.Flynn, R.Molloy; T.Merrigan, S.Kennedy, N.Feery; G.Keogh, K.Zmakaite; S.Kinsella, B.Keane, H.Lawlor and J.Molloy.
