Buccaneers in real need of victory as Old Belvedere await
By Michael Silke
Buccaneers entertain Old Belvedere in their next Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B fixture at Dubarry Park on Saturday. Kick-off is at 2.30pm for this Glasson Lakehouse sponsored match.
A young Buccs squad have lost their opening three matches but there were shoots of improvement when going down to Highfield last time out. With improved decision-making and a reduction in penalty concessions, the Pirates can readily step up their performances.
Danny Qualter was forced off though injury in Cork and his availability and that of James Kelly are the midlanders’ main concerns. Otherwise, there is unlikely to be much change in their match-day squad.
Old Belvedere lost their opening two games but earned losing bonus points in both encounters while they then secured their first win when defeating Blackrock College in a high-scoring tie 43-40.
Scrum-half and captain Peter O’Beirne and winger Jack Keating are try-scoring threats while Mick O’Kennedy and David Wilkinson are reliable from placed balls. Conor Owende, Conor Dowling and Kiwi Kale Thatcher are key men in the pack while another New Zealander Jayden Bennett shores up the centre.
Both teams will be keen to get a run of favourable results so a tough battle seems likely. With decent home support, the Athlone side can edge the contest.
Pre-match function
The Buccaneers pre-match function for Saturday’s All-Ireland League game at home to Old Belvedere will celebrate Leo Galvin finally receiving his Ireland cap.
This should attract a large attendance so early booking with Buccaneers Administrator Geraldine at 086 1732711 is recommended. Cost is €35 per person which covers meal and complimentary wine as well as free admission to the match. Bookings can be made for individuals or groups. The meal is at 12.45pm.
U-20s away to Greystones
Buccaneers U-20s face their longest trip in this season’s JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 when they take on Greystones at Dr Hickey Park on Sunday (2.30pm).
The Co. Wicklow side are setting the pace following two high-scoring victories and this will be a real test for the midlanders. However, Buccs have been improving steadily as they claimed the Connacht league title and then put in an impressive display when recording a first ever win over St Mary’s College at this level. This looks like being a cracking contest that the Pirates can win if they continue to raise their game.
Seconds vs Corrib
Buccaneers Seconds travel west on Sunday to square up against Corrib in Galway in the second round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1B League. Both teams won their opening fixtures both at home, Corrib overcoming Loughrea while Buccs held on against Ballinasloe.
The Shannonsiders impressed for an hour against neighbours Ballinasloe but then a late fade-out resulted in a tighter finish than looked likely. The Pirates cannot afford to drop their intensity or concentration against the Tribesmen but should have enough to take the spoils.