Buccaneers 29 0 Galwegians
Buccaneers Seconds continued their rejuvenation with a relatively comfortable 29-0 Connacht Junior 1A League victory over their Galwegians counterparts at Dubarry Park last Saturday afternoon.
The Pirates made five changes from last week’s victory at Ballinasloe, with Darragh Corbett and Conor Seery coming into the backline, while Ryan O’Meara and the Byrne brothers - Sean and Ruairi - bolstered the pack.
On the heavy surface, Wegians had the first scoring opportunity when Shane Ryan blocked down an attempted clearance in the opening moments. But a super tackle by fullback Corbett held the flanker up over the home line.
The visitors were to swiftly rue this missed chance when the hosts turned over possession inside their own half and Dean McMahon kicked ahead. Callum Forde was quickest in the chase for the ball and he raced in for a second minute unconverted try on the right.
Corbett got his range right with a fine 15th minute penalty and four minutes later he was converting Forde’s second try after Buccs again turned over ball from the westerners, with the home winger romping away to score for a 15-0 advantage.
Forde was again involved in Buccs third try, scoring in the final move of the half. His exciting, mazy run was carried on by O’Meara and Sean Byrne before prop O’Meara powered through to stretch over the Galwegians line to touchdown, with Corbett adding the extras.
The visitors fared much better in the second half, with the wind ensuring they spent long spells in the home half. But the Midlanders’ defence was in miserly mood as time and again they shut out Wegians.
Both sides utilised their benches and play became disjointed with many handling errors. In the closing stages, Buccs upped the ante again and secured a late fourth try to earn a precious bonus point. This late flurry was rewarded when the tenacious McMahon wrong footed the Sky Blues’ defence to cut in for a try, which Corbett converted to complete the 29-0 victory.
In a hard-working home pack, O’Meara was particularly prominent especially in the first half, with Ruairi Byrne and Rossa Dooley also doing well. McMahon was busy at flyhalf, Corbett was sound at fullback, and eager beaver Forde was a constant menace to the visitors
