Buccs return to league action in Connacht derby

Buccaneers face arch rivals Galwegians when the sides clash in a Connacht derby in the AIB League Division One at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday afternoon. Disappointingly, Galwegians would not accede to a floodlit kickoff which would surely have increased the numbers through the turnstiles and thus create an even better backdrop for this much anticipated encounter which kicks off at 2.30pm. Apart from bragging rights in the province, Buccs will be desperately keen to win this battle, particularly following their costly late, late slip-up at home to Ballymena last time out. The midlanders are too far down the league table for their own good but know that, in reality, little separates them from most other teams in the top flight. Indeed, apart from the leading pair, the league table is very congested and a win or two would promptly propel Buccs up the rankings. Buccs have some selection concerns for this duel and it seems that no contracted players will be released by Connacht to either club for this joust. That being so, Buccs will have minimal changes from last Saturday"s starting XV in the AIB Cup. The backline is unlikely to be tampered with at this stage, although Paul Harte and Conor Lavelle could come into contention. Alex Hayman and Alan Gaughan form a promising if contrasting pairing in the centre and wings Sean Carey and John O"Brien have potency and pace. Worryingly, half-backs Simon Rolleston and Mark Bruce have not quite been up to speed this season, but nothing like the sight of Wegians" blue shirts will focus their minds. Captain Niall O"Hara has been hampered through illness of late but is likely to be a lot sharper on Saturday. Buccaneers have selection teasers in the pack. Michael Diffley, Garreth Halligan and Kevin Moran have formed a very formidable front row this season. Benny Gilligan, Marcus Madden and U-20 Conor Higgins are breathing down their collective necks for starting places here. Kolo Kiripati was rested against UL Bohs as a precaution but Buccs" best signing of this season is likely to be fit and raring to go on Saturday. Second row is the sector causing most concerns for team mentors. At time of writing, Alamoti TePou has not returned from his Christmas break home to New Zealand. The dreadlocked lock is a key lineout figure for Buccs who will be unable to call on Anthony Hughes (hernia) or Clifford Richardson so James Tormey may well start. Louie Tonkin, who missed last week"s Cup success through illness, is another strong contender to start. Last season"s skipper of Galwegians, the towering Welshman has not yet played to his potential but Saturday"s red hot atmosphere could well ignite him if he gets the nod.