DLSP 3 BUCCANEERS 17
MICHAEL SILKE
Buccaneers U20s maintained their winning form when defeating De La Salle Palmerstown 17-3 in this J.P.Fanagan Leinster Premier League 3 at Kirwan Park.
In the Dublin mountains overlooking Dublin city, the young Pirates got themselves on the score sheet first with winger Ben Daly receiving a cross field kick from fly-half Ruaidhri Fallon in which he touched down in the far corner catching the DLSP defence cold.
Fallon missed the conversion but redeemed himself by nailing an impossible kick from the touchline with his weak foot when converting the try from Longford man and flying winger Jack Finn who bulldozed his way over the whitewash to put Buccaneers 12-0 just after half time.
Next on the score sheet was skipper Tom Shine who, after some fantastic offloading play in a move involving 8 Buccs players, went flying over the try line. DLSP would score 3 points themselves near the end of the second half to complete the 17-3 scoreline.
Notable performances were that of scrumhalf Adam Flanagan who gave quick ball all day long, putting DLSP under huge pressure. Flankers Gavin Daly and Daragh Fitzgerald threw themselves into tackle after tackle throughout the game. The excellent front row of Jim Connolly, Cameron Brill and Kieran Egan put in a fearless performance for the young Pirates, making a massive contribution to scrum and lineout for Buccaneers. Second rows Fionn McDonnell and Cian McCann displayed great ferociousness around the park with McCann showing how great his footwork skills are developing as he popped up on the wing to outrun the home winger. No.8 Luke Balsiger was brilliant in attack, carrying ball all day to put DLSP on the back foot.
Fly half Fallon ran the game for the Athlone side with first centre Orrin Burgess dominating his DLSP opposition. Skipper Shine led by example throughout making vital carries and distributing great ball to the wider players. Both wingers Daly and Finn got their names on the score sheet and worked well with full back Dylan DK Nozzle ) King to form a formidable back three for Buccaneers
Replacements Joe Henson and Ethan Friel both came off the bench to impact the game in their respective positions of prop and scrum half. A great win for the young pirates as they continue unbeaten in Leinster.
Late Cancellation of Dolphin Fixture
Buccaneers hopes of topping Division 2A of the Energia All-Ireland League suffered a setback without a ball being kicked or a pass made on Saturday as their fixture away to Dolphin was called off shortly before kick-off time at Musgrave Park, Cork, due to an outbreak of Covid-19 virus in the home side’s squad.
This was frustrating for both clubs as the hosts felt they had players returning from injury to bolster their side while Buccs travelled with a settled squad that had been performing well. Perhaps an earlier call should have been made that would have spared the Athlone side unnecessary travel and expense. Due to AIL regulations relating to Covid, the fixture was deemed a scoreless draw with both clubs being awarded two points. Nevertheless, the Pirates retains second spot on the league table where Queen’s University now have a three points’ lead.
Buccaneers Home to Rainey Old Boys
Rainey Old Boys make a first ever visit to Dubarry Park on Saturday when they face Buccaneers in the Energia All-Ireland League. Kick off for this Division 2A game, sponsored by the Hodson Bay Group, is 2.30pm.
The Magherafelt club, for whom Brian Smith is Director of Rugby, are struggling somewhat at the moment but will be boosted a recent win over Nenagh Ormonde which has edged them off the bottom of the league table above the Tipperary club.
But in the only previous meeting between Buccaneers and the County Derry club, Rainey were 34-10 winners at Hatrick Park two years ago.
Buccaneers squad has changed significantly in the interim with Evan Galvin, Martin Staunton, Shane Layden and Michael Hanley being the likely surviving starters from that defeat.
Buccaneers Women’s Team Celebrate a Decade
Buccaneers women’s team will celebrate playing their first game ten years ago by hosting a function in The Bounty this Saturday from 12.30pm.
So, ladies especially, come along and enjoy a meal with complimentary wine and also get free admission to Buccaneers All-Ireland League match against Rainey Old Boys.
Cost is only €30 per person and booking can be made by contacting Geraldine at 0861732711.
