Castlebar proved much too strong for a willing but less experienced Buccaneers side when the teams contested the Connacht Womens Invitational Cup final at Dubarry Park on Sunday, with the Mayo ladies easing to a 59-12 victory.
In the blustery conditions, it was essential that the home girls got a good start. However, Castlebar had the elements in their favour in the opening half and made telling use of the strong breeze to pin Buccs deep in their own territory from an early stage. They led 38-7 at the break, the Pirates’ response being a fine Niamh Gough try.
The exchanges were more even in the second half, but a try by the strong-running Susan Earner was Buccs’ only consolation as the holders, faster and stronger, deservedly retained this trophy on a 59-12 scoreline. However, Buccaneers will have gained invaluable experience from their participation in this cup that will surely benefit them in the forthcoming League.
Buccaneers: T Finnerty, S Kelly, L Stuart-Trainor (captain ), A Kemmy, G Konstantyn, N Gough, S Egan, A Hayes, N Connell, S Hennessy, K Ryan, J Dowling, D Cromar, D West and S Earner.
