Buccaneers away to Belvedere in major test
Rugby: Energia All-Ireland League Preview
Buccaneers' heavy fixtures schedule continues unabated with a massive test facing them on Saturday next when they square up to Old Belvedere in the Energia All-Ireland League at Ollie Campbell Park, Dublin.
This crunch Division 1B match, pitting second against third, has a 2.30pm kick-off. The Athlone side is currently second in the table on 51 points, with Old Belvedere third on 47 points.
Buccs must play each of the other three teams currently in the Top Four in their final four fixtures, which will surely test their resources as injuries at this late stage of the season begin to kick in.
It's very tight at the top now where City of Armagh remain in pole position (on 52 points) by virtue of a last gasp 23-21 win at Highfield, a result that damages the Cork club’s ambitions.
Meanwhile, Belvo came from behind to win their Dublin derby 35-31 at Old Wesley and they are arguably the form team in 1B having won their last six games including victories over City of Armagh and Highfield.
Buccaneers will be encouraged by their early season 24-13 win over Old Belvedere at Dubarry Park. They will need to give it their all at Anglesea Road, with Belvo apparently focusing on this game for some time.
Jayden Beckett and Ariel Robles are dangerous backs for the hosts for whom Kale Thatcher, Conor Owende and James Bollard are forceful forwards. If Buccaneers front up, then anything is possible so let’s see a big turnout of Pirates to support them there.
Meanwhile, the Bateman Cup national final between Terenure College and Buccaneers has been confirmed for Friday week, March 10, with kick-off 7.30pm at Lakelands Park in Dublin.
*See this week's Westmeath Independent for a report & photos from last weekend's Buccaneers v Malone match.