CORINTHIANS 37 BUCCANEERS 5
Despite a promising start Buccaneers could not match Corinthians in their Bank of Ireland Connacht U-20 League game played in fine conditions at Corinthian Park were the homesters prevailed 37-5 on Sunday.
The midlanders fielded a much-changed side and their early endeavours gained reward when, after Danny Reid’s fine break, Bobby Foxe showed good desire and strength to ground the ball close to the left corner flag for an unconverted 9th minute try.
Corinthians responded to this with tries by Sean Power and Ethan O’Brien, the latter following a loose pass. Joseph Smyth converted both and then added a pair of penalties to lead 20-7. Following a Patrick Egan surge forward, Buccs were held up over the home line while the Tribesmens’ best move of the half saw Power grab his second try. Smyth’s conversion gave Corinthians a comfortable 27-5 lead at halftime.
Buccs promised a revival in the early stages of the second half and Callum Kelly got over to touchdown near the right corner. Incredibly he was deemed to have been in touch! They continued to battle despite having only one sub and restricted Corinthians to a penalty and a final move try that secured a hattrick for Power. Smyth’s conversion and penalty completed the 37-5 scoreline.
Buccs were best served by Abu Saka and Aindriu Oates in the pack and Tom Sheehan and Donnacha Connolly in the backline.
BUCCANEERS:- D.Reid; C.Kelly, D.Duffy, T.Sheehan, B.Foxe; E.Joyce, D.Connolly; S.Doyle, S.Rohan, A.Oates; A.Saka, M.Collins; N.Botes, C.Sheehan (captain) and P.Egan. Replacement:- S.Radebe (for Doyle, inj).
