BUCCS AWAY TO DOLPHIN

BUCCS AWAY TO DOLPHIN

BUCCANEERS make the long trip south to the real capital where they take on Dolphin in round 6 of the Energia All-Ireland League at Musgrave Park, Cork, on Saturday. This Division 2A game has a 2.30 p.m. kick off.

Dolphin made a very promising start to the league with two fine victories. But, following a 60-0 defeat away to leaders Queen’s University, the Munster men have lost a further two matches. Under coach Brian Scott they will have been working hard during the International break to reignite their campaign and will be razor keen to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Daryl Foley, Brian O’Mahony, Murray Linn, Cam O’Shaughnessy and Rob Reardon are all able operators so are well capable of stemming their slump in form.

For their part, Buccaneers have been improving game by game but must be more consistent and disciplined to maintain their place among the division’s pacesetters. Tabo Maree and Rory O’Connor are their major injury doubts but, otherwise, the Pirates have a near full crew to select from. Young backs such as Michael Hanley, Ruadhri Fallon, Stephen Mannion and Saul O’Carroll are playing in an exciting manner with forwards Evan Galvin, Danny Qualter, Ruairi Byrne and Martin Staunton giving them a platform.

The artificial surface at Musgrave Park should suit Buccs endeavours to move the ball swiftly. If the midlanders remain on song they have the wherewithal to come out on top although they can expect a refocussed Dolphin to make this a real test.