BUCCANEERS 28 CORINTHIANS 3
A much improved performance by Buccaneers on a balmy Friday evening in Dubarry Park was rewarded with a 28-3 Connacht Senior League victory over Corinthians.
From the off Buccaneers passing was crisp, kicking accurate and the forwards went about their business with real intensity with Tabo Maree now settling in nicely.
All this effort was rewarded with a try after five minutes by Ross Murphy-Sweeney in the corner. The youngster Ruaidhri Fallon, playing in the full back position with a maturity beyond his years, scored Buccaneers second try on 12 minutes. Outhalf, Michael Hanley, who had a fine game added the conversion.
Two penalties before half time gave the homesters a 18-0 lead at half time. One of the penalties was slotted over by Stephen Mannion from a long way out while Hanley kicked the other over with precision.
The second half was less cohesive as Buccaneers management rang the changes. Eoin O’Reilly, who had an excellent game at scrum half picked up a leg injury, was replaced by Adam Flanagan. Another youngster Koronato Kirpati was replaced by Darren Browne at hooker.
Koronato ‘Og’ has an uncanny ability to break the gain line and his work ethic is superb. 21-year-old Browne, now a seasoned campaigner with the senior team continued to pile the pressure on Corinthians. However, the high point of the game was a barnstorming run by prop Martin Staunton in which he, a Buccaneers legend, was unlucky not to score. The Pirates last try was a well worked backs move finished off by Rory O’Connor. Next up Galwegians away on Saturday.
Buccaneers face basement battle with Galwegians
So often the powerhouses of Connacht club rugby in recent decades, Buccaneers and Galwegians find themselves in the unusual position of facing a basement battle when these great rivals square up at Crowley Park, Glenina, on Saturday when their Connacht Senior League showdown kicks off at 2.30pm.
Wegians are pointless going into this final round fixture and will take encouragement that their U-20s outscored their Buccaneers counterparts last weekend. The Pirates, meanwhile, will be buoyed by a very welcome home victory over Corinthians under the Dubarry Park floodllghts last Friday night.
Victory could move them up to third place as Corinthians, although at home on Saturday, entertain Sligo who will be hell bent on retaining their title. Lots of permutations possible overall but if the Athlone outfit are focussed and committed they can eke a win, never an easy task at Glenina.
Condolences
Buccaneers Rugby Football Club lost two stalwart Cork ladies in the past week, both after short illnesses.
Teresa Silke, wife of the club’s long term PRO, Michael, with whom she recently celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary, went to her eternal reward on Tuesday, September 7.
Myrl O’Carroll, passed on Friday, September 10, just five days after her Diamond Wedding anniversary to Aiden.
Both ladies and their families were true supporters of the club in which they were heavily involved over many decades. Heartfelt condolences are extended to their families and friends.
Deepest sympathy is also extended to John Irvine and family on the sudden passing of his wife Mary.
May Teresa, Myrl and Mary be granted eternal rest.
