BUCCANEERS JUNIORS 12 GALWEGIANS JUNIORS 15
A late penalty edged a 15-12 victory for Galwegians Juniors over their Buccaneers counterparts in this Bank of Ireland Christy Reid Cup game played in balmy sunshine at Dubarry Park on Sunday. But Buccs will be disappointed to have lost this encounter for they had a clear majority of territory and possession, but they lacked the necessary penetration when they got inside the opposition 22.
Little of note happened in the opening half hour although Buccs had an early narrow escape when Nathan Duggan was held up at the home line. The Pirates eventually got a breakthrough when, following a penalty to the left, Sam Fogarty powered over for a 29th minute try converted by Danny Reid. But Wegians responded with an unconverted try by Duggan to narrow their arrears to 7-5 at half-time.
The fare improved somewhat in the second half and the Tribesmen took the lead on 53 minutes having gained possession from a home lineout going awry. Rory Wilson made a strong carry from which Daniel Moraghan profited, touching down for a 54th minute try which James Deacy converted.
Atrio Abono and Fergal Lennon combined to make a terrific break but a wild pass ruined a certain looking try opportunity. However, shortly afterwards Gonzalo Catarino started and finished a strong attack for a 66th minute try on the left. Reid’s conversion rebounded wide off an upright so the teams were level 12-12.
But in the closing stages, Tadhg Trainor was unfortunate to be yellow carded for apparent retaliation and Deacy added further punishment with his penalty securing victory for the visitors. Basic errors, sluggish support play and a misfiring lineout did not help the homesters cause and they will feel that this was a win they let slip from their grasp.
BUCCANEERS:- D.King; J.Rosney, F.Lennon, H.Balsiger, K.Czerniak; D.Reid, H.McGowan; E.Rooney-Digan, C.Daly, A.M.Abono; L.Giles, S.Fogarty (captain); K.Byrne, B.Foxe and A.Saka. Replacements:- S.Flynn (for Abono, h/t), E.Naughton (for Rooney-Digan, h/t), G.Catarino (for Foxe, inj. h/t), A.M.Abono (for Flynn, 48 mins), B.Daly (for Rosney, 55 mins), E.Rooney-Digan (for Daly, 55 mins), P.Malassou (for King, 63 mins), T.Trainor (for Czerniak, 63 mins), K.Foxe (for Saka, 63 mins), J.Rosney (for Lennon, inj. 72 mins) and S.Flynn (for Abono, 75 mins).
GALWEGIANS:- J.Allnutt; H.Shalaby, D.Moraghan, J.Deacy, O.Kennedy; C.Elwood, C.O’Reilly; C.Murray, A.Kavanagh, G.Ukwouma; M.Conlon, N.Duggan; R.Conneely, J.Ageo and R.Wilson. Replacement used:- R.Bradley.
Referee:- Eoin Staunton (Connacht).
