Buccaneers news in Brief

Buccaneers U16 girls played their game in Clane on Saturday, a 7-a-side encounter against Wicklow. They then followed that up with two 10-a-side matches against host club Clane and also Naas in a landmark occasion. They found their feet rather quickly in a fast-paced encounter but lost narrowly on their debut to Wicklow by 5 tries to 4, Buccs tries coming from Alison Hamilton, Nessa Kilgallen, Nicola Duffy and Edel Quinn. The second game seemed to suit them much better, helped by some early tries. The tackling and rucking was done with expertise, far surpassing their playing experience. Alison Hamilton again got on the try-scoring list and a great running line by Gemma Stack led her over the line against a Clane outfit who were a credit to their club winning 6 tries to 3. The final game was against Naas, Nessa Kilgallen"s former club. Buccs found their stride and played like a different team compared to their first game just an hour or so earlier. Tackling was hard and expertly done by both teams with clashes at rucks great to watch from the sideline. The girls found a few back moves that worked a treat for them from their non-contested scrums and line-outs. Naas scored an early try but "Buccettes" replied with one of their own almost immediately and then tacked on a further 7 tries for a winning margin of 8-1, with the tries coming from Jennifer McCormack, Gemma Stack, Caoimhe Walsh and Nessa Kilgallen. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the day and played some great rugby which they hope to do more of this season. They extend thanks to mentor Tom Reilly, who has surely the most envied coaching position in the club! Reminder: Training on Wednesday nights at 7pm. BUCCANEERS: Caoimhe Walsh, Gemma Stack, Orlaith Reidy, Alison Hamilton, Jennifer McCormack, Racquel Maroto, Edel Quinn, Sharon Hynds, Gemma White, Nicole Mullen, Rebecca Nugent, Nicola Duffy, Nessa Kilgallen. U-20s Vital Game Away To UL Bohs BUCCANEERS U-20s complete their South-West Conference League campaign with a tricky assignment away to fellow contenders UL Bohemian at Annacotty on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm. Buccs are chasing home advantage for the play-off stages and will be bidding to secure some return from their trip to Limerick. Buccaneers field a well-balanced squad and will be looking to Adam Kennedy, Conor Higgins, David Fagan, Keelan Headd, Billy Henshaw and Kevin Creavin to make an impact in this encounter. If Buccs play to their collective strengths, they have the wherewithal to forge home advantage but it will take a sustained, disciplined and focused performance to overcome the Students. The Thirds are away to Galwegians in the Connacht J2 League on Sunday and they will know only full well from last week"s encounter with the westerners that nothing less than their collective best will suffice in Glenina. Reserves Westport 24 Buccaneers 7 A strong Westport outfit had too much to offer for a willing Buccaneers Reserves side in their Connacht Junior League match which ended in a 24-7 victory for the homesters at Carrowholly, Westport, on Sunday. Buccs had just the bare bones of a team in this final league fixture but, despite an admirably spirited showing, defeat was their lot but some pride was restored. Westport led 17-0 at the interval before Garreth Halligan scored Buccs" try converted by Darren Costello. The Mayo side replied with their third try but a willing and committed Buccs side denied them a coveted Bonus point fourth try. Halligan and Colin Watters were utterly defiant in the midlanders" pack that saw a welcome return by Clifford Richardson, while Conor Lavelle and Costello were best in a backline featuring evergreens Tom Reilly and coach Micky Carroll. BUCCANEERS: N.O"Hara; T.Reilly, C.Flynn, C.Lavelle, M.Carroll; D.Costello, C.Duffy; D.O"Neill, E.Brady, P.Doran; C.Richardson, D.Dunning; J.Seery, C.Watters, G.Halligan. Thirds Buccaneers 17 Galwegians 0 Buccaneers Thirds ground out a hard fought 17-0 victory over Galwegians in Division 2 of the Connaught League. They were put to the pin of their collective collars to defeat a game Wegians side on Friday night at Dubarry Park. Despite playing with the wind in the first half Buccs were not able to convert large amounts of possession and field position into points until there were only 10 minutes left in the first half. Then Mossy Turley broke from the base of a scrum and fed his brother Karl, who raced away to open Buccs account. Karl also added the conversion to leave the home side 7 points to the good at half-time. The second half saw Wegians dominate possession and field position, but Buccs regrouped after their 'rest' and re-applied themselves, with Enda Haughey scoring in the left corner. In the final 20 minutes Buccs struck with a well executed back-row move which enabled Mark O"Carroll to canter home from 40 yards. Overall the Thirds played well without pushing themselves. It was a good solid team performance with every one pulling their weight. Among the many standout performances was the man of the match David 'Stunning' Dunning. BUCCANEERS: C.Sheehy; M.O"Carroll, C.Flynn, J.O"Shaughnessy, A.Ryan; N.So, B.Lennon; R.Curley, E.Haughey, B.Kelly; P.Hynes, M.Coleman; D.Dunning, K.Turley and M.Turley. Replacements:- D.Shaughnessy (for Flynn, h-t), K.Sloyan (for Lennon, h-t), D.Burns (for Kelly, 65 mins), J.Seery (for O"Shaughnessy, 65 mins) and K.O"Neill (for Sheehy, 70 mins). Get Well Wishes Best wishes to Sean Og Hurley, Gerry Kelly and Derek Lackey who have all been hospitalised recently. Condolences Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of the late Frank Lennon. Super Draw Tickets for the club"s annual SUPER DRAW are on sale at only €50 each. Prize fund in this limited draw is €11,000 with a Star Prize of €5,000.