BUCCANEERS 33 TUAM/OUGHTERARD 26
BUCCANEERS came out on top of a keenly contested Bank of Ireland Connacht U-16 Girls Cup semi-final played on the main pitch at Dubarry Park on Sunday. In a game of see-sawing fortunes, Buccs were richly deserving of their 33-26 victory.
They got off to the perfect start with a try by Gemma Eivers but the visitors soon replied with a converted try. Buccs responded with a swift counter attack that saw Chloe O’Connor send Kate Mallon in for a try converted by Sally Fleming. They stretched their advantage following a break down the right flank that was finished by Olivia Collins. Fleming’s second conversion put them 19-7 ahead but the amalgamation outfit reduced their arrears with a try and conversion by their fullback.
Having to face the influential breeze for the second half, home supporters wondered would their narrow advantage prove sufficient. Although Tuam/Oughterard were twice held up over the line, the lead was quickly eroded. Buccs erred when hurrying a kick after the second hold up and the visitors took advantage of some rare disorganisation in the home ranks to score a converted try to regain the lead at 21-19.
But this did not dispirit the Pirate girls and a flowing move looked like reaping reward until a technical penalty earned relief for the westerners. However, that did not last long as Sally Fleming won ball back near midfield and raced away for a smashing try which she also converted.
An even better try quickly followed with Sally Fleming involved several times in a splendid move that saw the ball pass smartly through a number of hands with O’Connor applying the finishing touch between the uprights. Flyhalf Fleming added the conversion to push Buccaneers 33-21 ahead.
A much more physical Tuam/Oughterard completed the scoring with a late try. This was a tough test for the slighter Athlone girls but they tackled like dervishes and their running and handling was much more superior and effective. This was truly an impressive all-round squad contribution and sets them up nicely for a derby decider against Ballinasloe later this month.
BUCCANEERS:- O.Collins; K.Mallon, C.O’Connor, M.Fralkova, F.Amade; S.Fleming, R.Fleming; M.Bassey, S.Somers, K.Sylvester; S.Trainor, C.Larkin; H.Larkin, E.Brady and G.Eivers. Replacements:- N.Mulchrone, F.Dolan, A.Dullea, V.Oliyide, C.McEnroe, A.Keogh, K.Mburu, K.Ahouissou and L.Gaynor.
Referee:- Tomas O’Suilleabhain (Connacht).
