Buccs to host Connemara in league opener

BUCCANEERS kick off their competitive season when they entertain Connemara in a Connacht Senior League tie at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday, 3pm. The midlanders go in to this fixture with just one game under their belts so it is a bit of a step into the unknown with the home side still being assembled, while the Blacks traditionally find it difficult to muster their squad this early in the calendar. But Buccaneers have much to play for in this encounter with many players bidding to seal starting places, while the homesters will feel they did not do themselves justice when the sides met at the tail-end of last season in the Connacht Senior Cup semi-final. Then the Clifden outfit showed tremendous heart and commitment to upset the pundits to defeat Buccs on penalties after extra-time, so with their pride stung the Athlone club should need little incentive on Saturday. Of course, the Blacks displayed elements that will undoubtedly be evident again on Saturday - passion, work-rate and a savvy that was peculiarly lacking in Buccaneers on that disappointing night at the Sportsground. Outhalf Sean Joyce is a right good prospect out west and Mark Foyle is another tidy back while the pack may see the potential of prop Jason East with the evergreen Bernard Keaney likely rolling up his sleeves again for yet another campaign. Buccaneers lost some ground during the summer break due to various reasons and their squad under new coach Neal Culliton is very much a work in progress. Alan Gaughan (to Garryowen) and Sean Carey (likely to Clontarf) leave big gaps in the backline while Kieran O'Gorman (to UL Bohemian) and Kevin Moran (gone to Italy) deplete the pack. Two recent captains Niall O'Hara and Adrian Hanley have gone back to junior rugby while, following completion of his studies, Mark Bruce has returned to the UK. But Culliton and the players will benefit from the assistance of Colm Rigney and Tony O'Brien, who will be working on coaching the forwards and backs respectively. Of course, Rigney's influence will also be crucial on field where he can be inspirational in the key No. 8 jersey. The hugely experienced Kolo Kiripati is another forward on whom much will depend while Marcus Madden (who is buzzing at the moment), Garrett Halligan and Michael Diffley will provide further leadership to a mainly youthful pack. Ex-Shannon prop Mark Staunton is the most interesting addition to the forwards and Conor Higgins, Gavin Kelly and Padraig Burke will be looking to establish themselves as first choices in this sector. Alex Hayman will be the main player in the backline that will clearly be experimental in the Connacht League games although Paul Harte is due back in action soon. This gives rising youngsters such as Billy Henshaw, Adam Kennedy, David Fagan and Michael Donohoe the opportunity to step up to the plate. A tricky assignment is in prospect but Buccs should prevail in this encounter when they are likely to need to mix resolve with flair. Meanwhile, Buccaneers U-21 squad have their first game of the season when they entertain County Kildare club Newbridge at Dubarry Park in a friendly on Sunday. TORMEY WINS PLAYER OF THE YEAR James Tormey has been accoladed as 'OYSTERhomes buccaneers senior player of the year' for last season. The Tang native struggled to make an impact early on but the second row forward worked diligently in training and proved himself a key figure in the second half of the season as Buccs retained their division one status. Versatile st. Brigid's footballer Ian Kilbride emerged as the 'OYSTERhomes Buccaneers reserves player of the year' while long-time club stalwart David Dunning gained recognition for his endeavours when named 'OYSTERhomes Buccaneers thirds player of the year'. Rising star back row forward Kevin Creaven earned the plaudits for his gritty and consistent displays to earn the 'OYSTERhomes Buccaneers U-20 player of the year' honour. The players, along with those selected on various Ireland teams last season, will be presented with specially-commissioned Athlone Crystal glass pieces at a function shortly. CORINTHIANS 19 BUCCANEERS 24 BUCCANEERS will be much the happier outfit with this opening Senior friendly of the season when their very much experimental squad pipped Corinthians 24-19 in a relatively entertaining joust at Corinthian Park, Galway, last Friday. Kolo Kiripati was man of this match for the midlanders, showing his strength and an eye for a score with a pair of tries. The dynamic Marcus Madden notched another try and converted a brace while James O'Connell struck for a late try to snatch the spoils after Corinthians had levelled late in a lively tussle. Buccs showed tremendous team spirit in this contest with the forwards notable for covering tackles against a decent Corinthians side that troubled them in the scrums and also when they moved the ball sharply. Madden, Colm Rigney and young Padraig Burke lent Kiripati most support in the forwards exchanges while O'Connell and Alex Hayman were pick of the backline. BUCCANEERS: J.Seery; S.Stapleton, A.Hayman, J.O'Connell, G.Fallon; D.Fagan, M.Donohoe; B.Gilligan, M.Madden, M.Staunton; Anthony Hughes, J.Tormey; K.Kiripati, P.Burke and C.Rigney. Replacements used:- Adrian Hughes, B.McManus, R.Grenham and R.Byrne.