Buccaneers docked league points over ineligible player

BUCCANEERS' impressive start to the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League Division 1B campaign has suffered a setback after the club was deducted two points for fielding an ineligible player. The club has received the punishment for fielding the ineligible James Robinson in the opening game of the season - a 17-11 win over Bruff at Dubarry Park in early October. News of the deduction will come as a major blow to Buccaneers supporters, who have watched their team make a barnstorming start to the league season. Prior to the deduction - which won't officially appear on printed league tables until a 21-day appeal period elapses - Hendre Marnitz's side had accumulated 20 points from five outings, and currently boast a 100 per cent winning record ahead of Saturday's trip to mid-table Belfast Harlequins (Deramore Park, South Belfast, 2.30pm). Buccaneers RFC have confirmed they won't be appealing the loss of points, and head coach Marnitz wants to focus on winning Saturday's game. "Obviously, it's not something you wish to find out, but unfortunately it seems an offence has occurred and we have to hold our hands up. It's important we move on now, and focus on playing Belfast Harlequins. "I think the game (on Saturday) will be an exciting encounter. Harlequins are a very strong side this year and very competitive, so we're in for a stern test," said Marnitz. The Buccs coach said the club made a number of signings close to the registration deadline, before the start of the season, and this may have contributed to an issue arising with the registration of Robinson, who is a 21-year-old former Corinthians prop. "It's important to look forward now," insisted the South African coach, "and we hope to travel to Harlequins and put on a good show. Hopefully, we can come away with some points." However, Buccaneers cause for the weekend is unlikely to be helped by the fact a number of players are currently away with Connacht's A team. Marnitz said: "Eight players (Callum Boland, Denis Buckley, Jack Carty, David Heffernan, Mick Kearney, Shane Leyden and Daniel Qualter) are over in Saracens with Connacht A. "We have to wait and see what condition they're in when they get back. Eoghan Grace is also nursing a broken nose, so we don't know if he's going to be available."