Published: Friday, 18th December, 2009 10:35am

Buccaneers Briefs

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BUCCS AND WEGIANS RENEW RIVALRY

BUCCANEERS and Galwegians renew rivalry when the clubs square up in the South-West Conference U-21 National League at Dubarry Park on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm. This fixture is a rescheduled game which fell victim to the recent downpours but, with no other matches arranged at time of writing, this tie should attract a sizeable crowd to the Athlone ground on Saturday. There is always great rivalry between these powers of Connacht rugby, whatever level matches are played at. This contest is unlikely to be any different, but Buccs will be boosted by their win over Bruff and will hope to finish off the year on a high note with victory over the westerners.

Meanwhile, Buccaneers' appeal to the Connacht Branch IRFU re the deduction of points following their Junior League home win over Westport proved successful when common sense prevailed. However, the fixture is to be replayed in Westport.

CONNACHT JUNIOR LEAGUE

Buccaneers 0 Corrib 11

Buccaneers suffered another defeat in the Connacht Junior League, this time at the hands of Corrib at Dubarry Park on Sunday. Both teams were evenly matched with big hits going in on both sides on a nippy afternoon.

Corrib had the first chance to score with a 20 metre rolling maul that forced Buccs to infringe to collapse it giving Corrib an easy 3 pointer to take the lead. Late in the first half, after good pressure from the visitors, Buccs failed to deal with a fine crossfield kick which allowed the alert visitors to score a try wide on the right. The conversion was missed leaving the half-time score 8-0 in favour of Corrib.

The second half started well for Buccs with great runs from O'Connell and the ever busy Adrian Hughes. Buccs defended well and attacked with purpose but were unable to make a breakthrough despite dominating possession and territory. Buccs made a mess of a good opportunity from a crossfield kick by Darren Costello which should have yielded a try. The game ended with a penalty to Corrib to leave the score 11-nil to the visitors who are going well in the league table.

Buccaneers can feel unlucky not to have taken at least a bonus point from this game. It was a decent all round team performance but there was a lack of coherence that can only come from the training ground and, if this team can be motivated, then relegation will not be an issue. The star performers were all up front in a good performance by the pack. Hughes, Benny Gilligan, Mark Coleman, Darragh Lennon, Paul Galvin and Greg McGill all played extremely well, but Dunning and Creavin stood out. In the backs Costello and O'Connell were very effective. The backs wider out didn't get enough ball to really shine but Declan Byrne and Ian Kilbride put in a lot of important tackles.

Buccaneers: Ian Kilbride; Cormac Sheehy, Declan Byrne, James O'Connell, Ger Walsh; Darren Costello, Cormac O'Keeffe; Benny Gilligan, Darragh Lennon, Greg McGill; Paul Galvin, Mark Coleman; David Dunning, Kevin Creavin and Adrian Hughes (captain). Replacements used:- Emmett Egan (for O'Keeffe, h/t) and Gavin Kelly (for Coleman, 55 mins).

CAR DRAW

The club gratefully acknowledges all volunteers who have "staffed" the ticket sales desk at Athlone Towncentre during the past week and thanks go to the draw organisers and, of course, to those who have bought tickets to date. The voluntary rota is a huge undertaking over the coming 3 to 4 weeks, so anyone willing to give a couple of hours to this important fund-raiser should contact any member of the committee or phone club administrator Geraldine at 086-1732711. Remember tickets are only €10 each for the super 2010 RENAULT MEGANE COUPE on offer. Better still, three tickets can be purchased for just €20 (and make a handy Christmas present!).

CHRISTMAS SOCIALS

The club Christmas Party takes place on next Monday night December 21st and it promises to be a fun night of music and craic. Tickets are now on sale at The Bounty or can be purchased on the night. The Bounty is also the place to be on St. Stephen's Night when The Fabulous Bonker Boys are live on stage followed by DJ.

With a late bar, this sounds like the place to be for discerning festive revellers! Earlier that afternoon, the traditional Exiles match takes place for the James Moran Exiles Perpetual Cup.

AIB CUP FINALS AGAIN IN ATHLONE

The AIB Senior and Junior Cup finals will again be staged in Dubarry Park this season with Saturday, January 30th pencilled in for what should be two competitive deciders. Tullamore are still in the hunt to retain their Junior crown while Monivea too are very much in with a shout.

Ballynahinch brought colour, excitement and huge support for last year's Senior final when they upset the formbook in Athlone but defeated finalists Cork Constitution will be hoping to go one better this season. However, they are away to Ballymena in their semi-final while Limerick giants Shannon and Garryowen are in the other semi-final.

REFEREES COURSE

A very creditable turnout of three dozen attended the recent Referees' Course at Dubarry Park. Hopefully, we'll enjoy the fruits of this course in the seasons ahead.