Buccs thirds lose out in league final

BUCCANEERS THIRDS came up short for the second time in successive weeks against Tuam Seconds when they were defeated 13-7 in a hard-fought Connacht J2 League decider. Once again the Tuam outfit demonstrated that discipline and opportunity-taking are absolutely vital, particularly in crunch contests. In what was generally a dogged forwards battle, Buccs had sufficient possession to build on but, as last week in their Cup exit at Dubarry Park against the same opposition, the midlanders conceded far too many penalties both in attack and defence. Tuam made the most of the penalties coughed up to them in Buccs" half, while the losers spurned good territory too often through poor discipline and focus. This was disappointing by Buccaneers for attitude and organisation had laid the platform for an unexpected and extended winning streak that brought them within touching distance of glory. Indeed, they had won all competitive fixtures prior to their Cup eclipse and on Sunday spurned a real chance to gain swift revenge. Buccs were quickest out of the blocks and looked to have scored a try after a mere three minutes but Keith O"Neill was adjudged to have put a foot in touch en route to touching down. The fullback then, incredibly, missed a penalty kick soon afterwards from almost straight in front of the Tuam posts. Buccs could have been 10-0 up at this early stage but Tuam rode their luck and two Michael Donnellan penalties built their confidence and gave them a 6-0 half-time advantage. The westerners were much better on the restart and soon added a converted try to extend their lead to 13-0. Buccs then began to get to grips with the challenge and dominated the final quarter with Mossy Turley leading the charge. Tuam now conceded a steady series of penalties without losing a player to the sin bin. Buccaneers pressure eventually gained reward, Mark O"Carroll getting in for a well-taken try wide on the right. Karl Turley kicked an excellent conversion to put Buccs within touching distance but, though they pressed and pressed, they could not penetrate a defiant Tuam defence and so the league title heads to County Galway. Buccs will be greatly disappointed not to have some silverware to show for such an uplifting campaign but, over the past two weekends, they huffed and puffed too much as well as lacking patience whilst untypically conceding far too many needless penalties. Nevertheless, there is lots to build on for next season while the squad can take pride from their overall exploits since Mick Smith took the helm. Try scorer O"Carroll was their best performer on Sunday. Eddie Brady and Pat Hynes fared best in the pack while substitute Nigel So made an impact when introduced. BUCCANEERS: K. O"Neill; M. O"Carroll, C. Flynn, J. O"Shaughnessy, C. Sheehy; K. Turley, B. Lennon; E. Brady, E.Haughey, R.Johnston; P. Hynes, D. Dunning; M. Turley, D. Shaughnessy and K. Sloyan. Replacements used: A. Daly (for Haughey), R. Curley (for Johnston), N. So (for Flynn) and M.Donohoe (for O"Neill).