Buccs at home to Highfield in ‘must win’ encounter

Buccaneers square up to Highfield in their next Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B fixture at Dubarry Park tomorrow (Saturday) with the action kicking off at 2.30pm.

This is an absolutely “must win” encounter for both clubs albeit for considerably differing objectives. Buccs prop up the league table, nine points behind Queen’s University and a further five adrift of University College Cork. The Pirates desperately need to win as they battle to avoid relegation with just three rounds of fixtures remaining.

Meanwhile, Highfield lie in fifth place as they bid to reach the promotion play-offs for the third consecutive campaign. The Cork side lost the decider last season and were eager to go one better this term but inconsistency has not helped their cause. However, they have forced their way back into contention following recent results.

Buccs have not enjoyed much luck this season and Cian McCann, arguably their best performer to date, is the latest to join an injury list that includes their most experienced player Danny Qualter and Orrin Burgess. With a slim squad, resources will be stretched again this weekend.

Nevertheless, there were signs of encouragement despite the loss away to Old Belvedere last time out. Highfield, with a big physical pack, will look for dominance in the forwards exchanges where the Pirates must match up if they are to prevail.

Other fixtures

Buccaneers U-20s are home to De La Salle Palmerston in the quarter-final of the Leinster Purcell Cup on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. These teams provided exciting and entertaining fare when they met recently in the Leinster league when the Pirates outscored the metropolitans by seven tries to three.

Buccs lie in fourth place in the league with DLSP seventh so there is not a lot of difference between the sides. However, the midlanders seem to have more potential especially when they perform as a team. Another thrilling duel looks likely with home advantage to assist the Shannonsiders' hopes of progressing.

At time of writing the following boys’ fixtures were listed on the Connacht Rugby website.

U-13 Cup home to Ballinasloe on Sunday at 12 noon.

U-15 Cup home to Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday at 2.30pm.

U-16 Cup away to Ballinasloe on Saturday at 2.30pm.

U-17 Cup home to Gort on Sunday at 12 noon.

Buccaneers Girls also have a scheduled U-18.5 Cup match at home to Claremorris on Saturday at 12 noon.