BUCCANEERS 33 MARR 31
BUCCANEERS scored a final kick conversion to pip Scottish visitors Marr 33-31 after a highly entertaining U-14 friendly at Dubarry Park on Sunday. This was ideal preparation for the young Pirates ahead of their trip to Lisbon later this month for a major tournament as all players in the squad got game time.
A bigger Marr outfit had first benefit of the breeze and scored an early try. Buccs endeavoured to keep ball in hand against the elements but the Scots added a second try to lead 12-0. The game was divided into four quarters with teams swopping ends after each quarter.
Buccs responded with a Lorcan Daly try with the winger showing great desire to get through a number of tacklers to touch down. Then Denis Igoe’s pace proved too much for Marr as he raced in for a try. Eoghan Silke converted both tries as Buccs took a 14-12 lead. A clever lineout move saw Max Walshe surge over at the left corner to extend the Athlone boys advantage to 19-12 at halftime.
With the breeze again assisting them in the third quarter, Marr scored three tries to push 31-19 ahead. The more youthful Buccs battled on gamely and, in the final quarter, Charlie Donoghue reduced their arrears with a well worked try. The Shannonsiders piled on the pressure in an exciting cllimax and, in the final move, Silke popped over the Marr line to level the scores before kicking a tricky conversion to win a very entertaining game 33-31.
Buccaneers received a beautiful presentation from Marr Rugby of “The Highland Quaich” known as the cup of friendship at the post game hospitality. This rounded off what was a wonderful experience for both of these teams and we hope it will be the first of many encounters with our new Scottish friends. Athlonian Paul Duncan is one of their coaches and talks for a trip to Troon are already underway!
