Buccaneers Notes

Buccs shared first place in the group with Galwegians, with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. These two teams faced off in Loughrea last Saturday, to decide home advantage for the semi-finals. Buccaneers won this closely contested match on a final score of 5-0 and were awarded medals to show their achievement. The only score of the game was a try by Mark McArdle, with Cormac Lanegan and McInerney prominent in the build-up TEAM: John O"Meara, Padraig Fagan, Ted Campbell, John Gormley, Cian White, Daniel Lynam, Peadar Hennessy, Brian Cooper, Eoghan O"Reilly, Mark McArdle, Sean Dempsey, Cormac Lanegan, Evan Galvin, Niall McInerney, Robert Ashe, James Flynn, Harry Hughes, Sean Doyle, Terence Hynes, Stephen Kilroy, Martin Costello and Barry Goode. Buccaneers Under-16 Notes Buccs advance to Connacht League final Buccaneers 29 Corinthians 0 Choosing to play into the stiff swirling breeze in the first half paid off for Buccaneers captain Jack Carty, as his charges kept the visitors scoreless. Right from the kick-off, Buccs laid the foundation of a convincing victory by literally clawing their way into the weather, yard by yard, with committed contact in every quarter of the field. Throughout the game challengers Corinthians always looked likely to score but were denied by last ditch tackling, notably by full-back Robbie Henshaw, while at the other end Buccs notched up five tries. Tries were scored by Jack Carty, Aidan Connaughton (2), John Monaghan and Conor Fitzgibbon. Jack Carty added two fantastic conversions despite the wind. Hooker John Monaghan played out of his skin and was justifiably awarded man-of-the-match. The final takes place next Saturday in Dubarry park as curtain-raiser to the senior match. This huge result puts down a marker to the winners of the other semi-final Galwegians, who beat Sligo by only 12-5. But Connaught finals, especially against Galwegians, are never to be underestimated. The winners will go on to contest the All-Ireland semi-final. Team: Carey, Monaghan, Donoghue, McLaughlin, McBrearty, Haughian, Hanniffy, Haughian, Connaughton, Digby, Carty, Kelly, Fitzgibbon, Seery, Maguire, Cassidy, Henshaw, Jack Donoghue, Hyland, Hennessy, Digan. Panel included: Carey, Corcoran, Gandy, Reid, Walesch, Seb Ryan. Buccaneers Under-15 Notes Connacht U-15 League Corinthians 5 Buccaneers 22 On an extremely difficult day for rugby, with a biting cold and swirling wind, in addition to the heavy rain, this was a good match and a very good win for Buccaneers U-15s in the Connacht League. Electing to play with the elements in the first half, Buccaneers made a shaky start and conceded a lot of ground to the home team. The visitors gradually took control and their pressure paid off when Jack Linnane crashed over for a great opening score which he also converted. Shortly after this, Jack scored another try when he spotted a gap in the Corinthians defence and darted over for a fine score. Buccaneers kept the pressure on the home team and this paid off when John Dooley sprinted through for an excellent try. To score this try, Dooley showed immense strength to gain possession of the ball and then a devastating turn of speed to sprint clear. Karl Walesch had a fine game at hooker on a very difficult day for lineout throwing, as did Tiernan Morrissey when he entered the fray. Alan O"Donovan was very effective in the second half on his long-awaited return from injury. Ryan Browne, before him, put himself around the pitch very well. Playing against the foul elements in the second half, Buccaneers got the all important first score which presented Corinthians with a mountain to climb. This was scored by the brilliant Eoin Maher who was extremely effective at first centre both in defence and attack. Besides John Dooley and Eoin Maher, other players who caught the eye were Colm Conroy (with his aggressive style of play in the pack), Cian O"Reilly (who made some great tackles on the wing) and Kevin Cooper, who was solid at No. 8. The next league match is away to Galwegians at the weekend. Training continues on Saturday mornings at 10.30. It is vital that all squad members attend every training session. If unavailability is unavoidable please contact coach, Clem Higginbotham at 086 4022490.