Published: Wednesday, 28th October, 2009 5:00pm

Buccs hoping to build on Ballymena boost against rivals Galwegians

BUCCANEERS and Galwegians renew rivalry when the sides meet in the AIB League Division 1B at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday afternoon, kick off 2.30pm.

Connacht and midlands rugby followers can expect fireworks at this Halloween clash.

Wegians enjoyed success when the sides met recently in the decisive fixture of this season's Connacht Senior League at Crowley Park where a 25-17 home win ensured that the Tribesmen retained their league title. They fielded a strong, physical pack in that encounter who possessed too much power for a lighter Buccs outfit, with No. 8 Ati Olive looking their best operator in the forwards. Ivan Muldoon, Joe Moran and Peter Bracken impressed on that occasion but prop Bracken has resumed professional rugby across channel in the interim and will be a loss to Wegians, who may look to Liam Scahill and Brian McClearn to win ball. Former international Kieran Campbell will pose a threat at scrum-half as will wing John Paul Cleary while Aifai Aseri is durable in the centre and Mark Butler, now at full-back, is a fine placekicker. Rob O'Beirne is another back with a good turn of pace in what looks to be Galwegians' best team for some seasons.

Consequently, Buccaneers will have it all to do in this Connacht derby if they are to secure the bragging rights on Saturday. Although out-muscled last time against the light blues, Buccs will point to the make-up of their squad that afternoon and they will field a much more settled and aggressive side on Saturday, boosted considerably by their hard-earned win at Ballymena. The pack now has a bit more savvy and better composition than on that occasion, although Colm Rigney has an injury that is a cause of some concern in the midlanders' camp.

If Buccs can start with the pack that commenced action up north, they will have an improved balance and competitiveness in their line-up for this joust with 'Wegians. Conor Higgins is playing tremendously well up front alongside the wily Garreth Halligan and another rookie Martin Staunton is getting more comfortable with life in Division One. The Burke boys, Stephen and Padraig, are two able and honest operators as is the under-rated James Tormey' while Colin Watters is the type of player who thrives in games such as this. Having played with both clubs, he will clearly know the importance of the outcome and relish the challenge!

Buccaneers' backline should bear little similarity to the Connacht League tie. Of last Saturday's starting XV, only Conor O'Loughlin featured against 'Wegians so Buccs will be a totally different proposition this time. Buccs will be hoping that O'Loughlin will again be available to them for this clash alongside Brian Touhy and Aidan Wynne. J.H. Potgeiter looked comfortable at full-back and may again be located there with the pacey John O'Brien and Paul Harte likely to man the flanks. Adam Kennedy is maturing at scrum-half with his place-kicking being a key weapon for the midlanders who will be checking on the fitness of Billy Henshaw.

Buccaneers' heroics at Ballymena has greatly improved the mood in the midlanders' camp and renewed confidence. The attitude and support play at Eaton Park was terrific, matched by pragmatism and decent discipline. But it needs to be much better next Saturday and Buccs are well capable of stepping up a further notch. The win, however, has also alerted Galwegians that Buccs are better than their previous results may have indicated, so they will not drop their guard as they apparently did when letting UCC off the hook in the closing minutes of last week's defeat at Glenina.

This game has many of the ingredients for a cracker and hopefully a big crowd will set the perfect backdrop for the anticipated on-field fireworks.

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