Buccs aim to bounce back from UCC defeat against UL Bohs

Following last week's results, Buccaneers face a quick test of their character with the visit of UL Bohemian in an Ulster Bank League Division 1B clash of increased importance at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday (2.30pm). Buccs suffered only their second defeat in thirteen league matches when slipping up away to UCC last weekend, while UL Bohs continued their climb up the league table where they now lie fourth. UL Bohs really have to go for broke if they wish to grab one of the two automatic promotion spots, one of which Buccaneers currently hold. They were well beaten in the end by the midlanders when the sides met at Annacotty but the contest was fairly even up to half-time. Thereafter, the Pirates stepped up while the Limerick club's challenge went awry and it is likely to be a much keener contest on Saturday. Bohs have some upcoming Munster players in their squad and, if the likes of Tommy O'Donnell, Kieran Essex, Dave Foley and Barry Murphy are available, then they will make it very difficult for Buccaneers. Ed Torrie, Martin McPhail and young J.J. Hanrahan are exciting backs and Sean Rennison is a dynamic backrower where he links up with ex-Bucc Kieran O'Gorman. Buccaneers were a bit off-colour against UCC, yet they created ten good try opportunities so there was still much to enthuse about in their performance. Clifford Richardson will, hopefully, be available on Saturday which would significantly improve the balance of the forwards unit especially at lineout time. Focus and cohesion were not perhaps what they needed to be in Cork but Buccs now have a prompt opportunity to get that blip out of their collective system. Saturday's battle with UL Bohs is the proverbial eight pointer as a home win would keep a decent gap between the two clubs in the league table where Buccaneers currently lie second with a game in hand. Consequently, home supporters can anticipate a repeat of the sustained and intelligent endeavours shown against Clontarf.