BUCCANEERS 44 WESTPORT 0
Buccaneers U-16s played Westport two weeks ago in the Bank of Ireland Connacht League and the Bulls returned to Athlone to play the semi-final on Sunday. While the first game had been a tight close contest, this was a tough open encounter which was decided by a rampant home side.
Tries by Elliot Friel, Darragh Murray, Scott Lowe, Adam Murphy, Aidan Costello and Callum McCormack ensured this fine win with Murray adding four conversions. He book-ended each half with a penalty as Buccs enjoyed a clearcut 44-0 victory as they progress to the league final.
Particularly impressive was a relentless commitment by the whole squad and the will to stop the Westport lads from scoring. To win the final the young Pirates will need to offer more in attack especially by the backs. Discipline was also a problem with two yellow cards being given for high tackles.
Best for Buccs in a strong physical pack were Brian Rourke, Niall Robinson and McCormack with Murray, Lowe and Friel shining in the backline. Buccs now have 36 active players all vying for starting positions and will hopefully have a challenge game next week.
BUCCANEERS:- M Doolan, C Neale, P Sunny, T Herron, C Doran, C Donoghue, C Sylla, A Jacob, A Murphy, S O’Hara, A Costello, M Fallon (captain), H Lowe, N Robinson, B Bourke, S Lowe, D Murray, E Carr, A Rodrigo, C Movill, R Hughes, R O’Connor, A Viktor, U Sebastian, J Finnan, C Donohue, D Coffey and E Friel.
