A new name has been added to the list of overall winners at Buccaneers Tag Rugby annual league tournament with Coupers Loopers coming out on top of this summer’s leagues contested at Dubarry Park. Last year’s championship bowl victors, Coupers Loopers now qualify for the IRFU Volkswagen Tag series.
This season’s league in Athlone had been played in exceptionally fine weather but that changed to normal midlands moisture for last Friday’s sextet of finals in Athlone. However, the exchanges were not dampened and five of the six deciders provided high-scoring and very entertaining contests with the only low-scoring affair ending in a draw.
Champions for the past two summers, Springbuccs were unable to make it a hat-trick of triumphs when going down to Coupers Loopers 23-18 in a spirited Champions Cup final with the extra pep in the new champions squad proving too hot for the defending champions.
Tic Tag just pipped Wu Tag Clan 33-31 in a thrilling Conference Cup final. Tic Tag have been regular competitors in the league and were well due this their maiden success at the tournament. The youthful Wu Tag Clan gained some consolation when being runaway winners of the fancy dress award at the presentations later that night.
The presentation of the various awards took place in The Bounty where Buccaneers President Gordon Ballantyne thanked all the players and teams who had participated in this popular tournament. He gratefully acknowledged the work put in by the organisers, especially Yvonne O’Shea, Billy McMickan, Jacqui Leech and Derek Ryan. The key contribution made by the referees was also acknowledged as was the input of the IRFU’s Justin Deegan and David Keane, while The Bounty was thanked for the complimentary BBQ provided.
In concluding, Gordon asked that Kieran Cleary, whose brothers Conor and Keelan also played in the league, be kept in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
Tag League finals results:-
Championship Cup Coupers Loopers 23 Springbuccs 18
Championship Plate Must Tag Sally 27 Inglorious Passers 20
Championship Bowl Hanley’s Heroes 34 Young Buccs 24
Conference Cup Tic Tag 33 Wu Tag Clan 31
Conference Plate Octotaggers 26 S Tag 7 23
Conference Bowl Bounty Boozers 11 Karma Taggers 11
Big interest in Cannacht v Wasps encounter
There is good demand for tickets for the Connacht v Wasps match which takes place in a little over two weeks time at Dubarry Park on Saturday, August 18th. Kick off time is 3 p.m. for this season opener between the home province, for whom it will be their first match under new head coach Andy Friend, and the English Premiership visitors whose squad is full of noted international players. It looks like a game and occasion not to be missed. Log on to www.connachtrugby.ie to book your tickets in good time! Buccaneers are hosting a pre-match function that includes 3-course meal with wine and complimentary stand ticket. Groups or individuals can be catered for. Email [email protected] to book or for further details.
Rugby Summer Camp
Connacht Rugby Summer Camp for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years old takes place shortly in Dubarry Park, Athlone, from Monday, August 13th to Friday 17th. Full details including application form are available on the Connacht Rugby website.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy is extended to Buccaneers Chairman of Football Billy McMickan and family on the death of his father Walter. Sincere condolences also go to the family of the late Joe Burke, Taughmaconnell.
