Buccaneers Touch Rugby travelled to the novel venue of Dromore RFC in Co Down for the fourth and final round of this year’s Ireland Touch Series (ITS ).
Buccs took on Old Belvo Racoons in the first game and went down to a 2-0 defeat. Old Wesley Dragons were next up in game two and Buccs led 3-2 at one stage with tries from John Finnan off a 32 peel move, Sofia Rizza and Philip Finnan, who side stepped five defenders, to score the try of the day. However, the experienced Dublin side came good late on in the game to win 4-3.
Hosts, and eventual winners, Belfast Cooke Warriors, provided the opposition in the next contest and Buccs put in a strong performance before going down to a narrow 3-2 defeat. John Finnan got the two scores for Buccaneers again off the 32 peel move.
Buccs faced Old Wesley Roosters in the next game and this proved to be a tight cagey affair. The game was scoreless for a long period with defences on top before Roosters took the lead. Buccs hit back with an equaliser off a 32 peel move from Paul Gavin. There were a number of opportunities for both sides to claim the win but to no avail. The game finished 1-1.
In the final game of the day, Buccs took on the Marley Park Tipsters. Buccs started very strongly and seemed to be on their way to victory when they built up a 2-0 lead. Firstly, John Finnan took a quick tap penalty and ran the length of the field to touch down. Then his brother Philip Finnan sliced through the outside channels to score in the corner. The Tipsters did not panic however and soon worked themselves back into the game scoring twice to level it up. A late score in the corner broke Buccs hearts to give the Tipsters the victory by 3-2.
Belfast Cooke Warriors went on to win the final against Old Wesley Roosters 5-2. The Warriors were also overall winners of the Ireland Touch Series, winning three of the four legs of the series.
Buccaneers also received a pleasant surprise during the post tournament presentation when Philip Finnan was awarded the 2022 ‘Rising Star’ by the Ireland Touch Association.
Buccaneers Touch - Paul Gavin, Kieran Abrook, Nigel So, Molly Copelin, Cian Copelin, Sofia Rizza, Philip Finnan, John Finnan, Sam Radebe, Dion Chitanda, Anthony Quinn, Alex Connor.
