BUCCS AWAY TO BANBRIDGE
After facing three of the strongest clubs in their opening sequence of fixtures, Buccaneers head across the border for a shootout against Banbridge at Rifle Park in the fourth round of the Energia All-Ireland League on Saturday. This Division 2A fixture between two clubs seeking their maiden victory of the season kicks off at 2.30 p.m. and is, unusually, the first of two away matches in succession so its not getting much easier for the midlanders.
The Co. Down club lie in 7th place, by virtue of securing bonus points in all of their matches to date. They have a competitive pack featuring three Cromie’s in the front row. Hooker Peter captains the team with Michael and Stuart propping him! Rob Lyttle and Xander Lowham are lively backs and scrumhalf Jack Hart is an able place-kicker.
Buccs will be hoping that the brief break may have helped their injury situation although this match comes too early for skipper Frank Hopkins and fellow backs Adam O’Carroll and Corey Reid. Hopefully, James Kelly will be fit to go in the front-row trenches while the Pirates will be looking to leadership from Gearoid McDonald at flyhalf. Lots of soul searching will have been done following a disappointing start to the campaign but, if the midlanders reduce errors and maintain their focus, they will be hopeful that an improved display can reap dividends.
