BUCCS AWAY TO HIGHFIELD
BUCCANEERS head to the real capital on Saturday where they square up to Highfield in round 3 of this season’s Energia All-Ireland League. Kick-off for this Division 1B encounter at Woodleigh Park, just off Cork’s Model Farm Road, is 2.30 p.m.
Highfield are one of just two clubs who have won both their opening fixtures. Their neighbours and rivals UCC are the other side and the Students top the table narrowly. Highfield finished third in last season’s 1B campaign and lost out to eventual champions Shannon in the play-offs.
Coached by Conor Quaid, they defeated Banbridge at home and followed that up with a narrow victory away to Naas. Former Munster centre Cian Bohane is in try-scoring form for them with James Taylor not missing from too many placekicks. Lock Aidan Keane is a key operator in a well-rounded pack.
Buccs sit in fourth place at this early juncture and will have self-belief and confidence following their clearcut win last Saturday. However, Old Wesley may have taken their collective eye off the ball following their emphatic win over Naas and Buccs must guard about a similar fate. Buccs sustained a number of injuries in their win, Michael Hanley’s being the most worrying. But if the Athlone side is close to full strength they can be counted on to perform.
SECONDS AND THIRDS FIXTURES
BUCCANEERS SECONDS commence their Connacht Junior 1A League away to Dunmore on Saturday night, kick-off 7 p.m. Buccs accounted for the Co. Galway club at home in the Cawley Cup but may be shy some players who could be on the bench at Highfield. If the midlanders do not get dragged into a physical dogfight against the bigger hosts, they have the pace and skills to come out on top.
BUCCANEERS THIRDS hope to finally taste some action (following two aborted fixtures due to opponents not being able to field) on Sunday when Connemara Seconds are due in Dubarry Park. The Thirds have had decent numbers training under the watchful eyes of Gerard Fallon, Sean Flynn and Conor Moran. This Connacht League game has a scheduled 2.30 p.m. kick-off.
