CONNEMARA 41 BUCCANEERS 34
Despite scoring 6 tries, Buccaneers had to settle for 2 bonus points after an exciting duel with Connemara in their Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League game played at the Monastery Field on Sunday. The Clifden side also notched half a dozen tries in their 41-34 victory. The Pirates, like their Senior counterparts, made 6 changes for this long trip west with injuries ruling out a number of players. Gearoid McDonald, Richie Greene and Fergal Lennon started in the backline with Tim McClain, Dylan Bolger and Atrio Abono lining out in the forwards trenches.
Weather conditions were unusually benign at this western seaboard venue where the Blacks got off to a good start, building up an early 15-0 advantage. Buccs eventually got to the required tempo with a pair of tries reducing their arrears to 15-10 by halftime.
An early second half try edged the Pirates ahead shortly after the change of ends but Connemara, who ran the ball at most opportunities, were generally able to produce a swift response as the teams traded scores throughout the second period. Buccs, despite this being their best display to date and showing a massive improvement, just could not reel in the hosts who held on for a narrow 41-34 victory.
David Colgan (2), Ross Murphy-Sweeney (2), Harry Hughes and Lennon were Buccs try scorers with McDonald adding 2 conversions. The returning Colgan made an impact in the backline where Murphy-Sweeney also impressed. Finian Murray, returning after a lengthy injury lay-off, and Jack Crampton were best of the Athlone side’s pack that included winger Lennon at lock as the game progressed.
CONNEMARA:- H.O’Toole; P.Keaney, E.Griffiths, S.Sweeney, M.Conneely; M.O’Toole, F.O’Neill; E.Conroy, D.Hughes, F.Heffernan; C.O’Donoghue, D.O’Reilly; J.Keaney, M.Gorham and T.Berry. Replacements:- D.McHugh, D.O’Duinn, O.Coneys, D.Manning and D.Roche.
BUCCANEERS:- R.Greene; H.Hughes, R.Murphy-Sweeney, H.Balsiger (captain), F.Lennon; G.McDonald, D.Connolly; A.M.Abono, C.Daly, O.Chiche; T.McClain, S.Fogarty; D.Bolger, A.Markov and J.Crampton. Replacments:- C.Brill, F.Murray, J.Dowd, L.Cassidy and D.Colgan.
Referee:- Shane Touhy (Connacht).
