BUCCANEERS SECONDS 29 UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY 25
In a thrilling climax to their Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League campaign Buccaneers Seconds retained their 1A status in the most dramatic manner whilst consigning University of Galway to 1B on a 29-25 margin. Whilst the U-20’s triumph was done and dusted by half-time, this relegation battle at Dubarry Park on Sunday went to the wire and then some more!
Nothing less than victory would suffice for Buccs to retain their 1A status. The visitors were arguably the favourites having had tighter losing margins in their league campaign as well as having a clearcut win in Athlone over the Pirates in the Plate competition. But Buccs took hope from their league victory over the Students at Dangan.
The homesters grabbed an early advantage in this winner take all battle with Gerard Fallon landing a fine penalty. They promptly added an excellent try with Richie Greene profiting from Harry Hughes pinpoint crossfield punt for a 12th minute touchdown. Fallon’s conversion via the crossbar gave the Athlone side a promising 10-0 lead.
The exchanges were tit for tat during the first half and the westerners reduced their arrears with a penalty just before halftime. But Buccs continued to give it their all and they stretched their advantage to 17-3 soon after the change of ends when Cormac McDonagh burst over for a try which Greene converted.
University of Galway hauled themselves back into the contest with two tries, one converted, in quick succession and midway through the half they edged 22-17 ahead with a third try. Buccs responded and following a series of pick and goes Luke Balsiger forced his way over for a try, Greene’s conversion giving the midlanders a 24-22 lead as the battle entered its final stages. More twists and turns were to follow!
With the clock almost at 80 minutes, the Students were awarded a penalty which they slotted to regain the lead. But there was just about time for Buccs to restart and David Fagan floated a terrific kick which Luke Balsiger chased with massive desire to win possession. A quick phase later the ball was in the hands of McCormack and surged in from 20 metres amid a welter of excitement and relief for the match-winning bonus point try that completed the 29-25 victory that ensured Buccaneers avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth!
This was the Seconds best display of the whole season, when it mattered most. The Balsiger brothers Harry and Luke excelled and McDonagh with his brace of tries was the hero of the day. Conor Morrissey’s ball carrying was vital for this victory and Fionn McDonnell and Sam Fogarty put in serious shifts. All in all a fine team effort. Ireland may have had three legends retiring last weekend but Buccaneers also have a trio of warriors who are also hanging up their boots and going out in memorable style ….. well done and much gratitude to Gerard Fallon, Sean Flynn and David Fagan.
BUCCANEERS:- A.Flanagan; H.Hughes, C.McDonagh, H.Balsiger, R.Greene; D.Fagan, G.Fallon; A.M.Abono, C.Morrissey, S.Flynn; F.McDonnell, S.Fogarty; J.Scouler, C.Daly and L.Balsiger. Replacements:- C.Brill, K.Grehan, E.Naughton, J.del Olmo, B.Daly, J.Rosney, K.Connolly, E.J.van Rensburg and N.Harney.
UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY:- E.Cullen; R.Aghabueze, B.Murphy, B.Clarke, H.Guest; C.Clarke, B.Bergin; L.Melia, O.Soden, C.Wall; T.McCabe, L.Layden; M.O’Meara, S.McDonnell and P.Magliocco. Replacements:- S.Crowley, M.O’Griofa, L.Jones, J.Day and A.O’Halloran.
Referee:- Shane Touhy (Connacht).
