Published: Wednesday, 4th November, 2009 5:00pm

Buccs youngsters unable to turn possession into scores

Buccaneers 10, Galwegians 17

Buccaneers lost to Galwegians at Dubarry Park in the Connaught League on Saturday last. The match was played after the senior Buccs v. Galwegians AIL league match under lights and it proved to be a great occasion for all the players.

It was a match that Buccaneers dominated in terms of possession and territory for long periods but couldn't get the vital scores. Their ball retention and rucking were excellent but the backs couldn't make any significant headway against a very strong Galwegians defence. Buccaneers started the match very well but despite intense pressure could not score. They were awarded a series of penalties in front of the Galwegians posts but opted to run the ball rather than kick the points: a decision that very nearly paid off.

Against the run of play Galwegians broke up the field and after a fine passage of passing from them scored under the posts; the try was converted. Towards the end of the first half they scored a second converted try. With the last play of the half Buccs put together a great passing movement which resulted in Conor McGrath being bundled into touch agonisingly short of the line.

Galwegians converted an easy penalty at the start of the second half but that was their last score of the game. Buccaneers started a great fight back then which just fell short. This was the result of two great tries by Sean Dempsey, bringing his total to seven in three matches. Sean Doyle just failed with the very difficult conversions. Buccs had several other great scoring opportunities after that but just couldn't cross the line.

The hard work and intensity at training will need to continue.

Training continues on Saturday mornings at 10am. Please contact Coach Clem Higginbotham at 086 4022490 if unavailable for training or matches. New players are always especially welcome.

Buccaneers squad: Jamie O Kane, Keith Coyle, Conor McGrath, John O Meara, Peter Quinn, Neil Dermody, Bart Kurowski, Tomasz Skorek, Janmajaya Giri, Daniel Kiely, Odhran Daly, Conor Morrissey, Sean Dempsey, Bobby Pears, Rory Delaney, Sean Doyle, Killian O Donnell, Martin Costello, Mark McArdle, Evan Galvin, Gavin Delaney, Thomas Finucane, Christopher Keogh, Harry Hughes, Darren Blackweir.