Gallant Buccs U20s knock out Garryowen

BUCCANEERS U-20s defeated Garryowen 6-3 in a well-contested South-West Conference U-20 Play-Off in Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday and now advance to the national quarter-finals. This was a dogged battle between evenly-matched sides but Buccs, who had the greater share of possession throughout, were more purposeful and clearly wanted victory that bit more than the Limerick side. It was a tight squeeze and took them a bit longer than one would have wished to edge ahead on the scoreboard but, overall, Buccaneers were the better outfit and richly deserved this win, their second over Garryowen this season. Due to some key injuries, Buccs were forced to realign their forces. Colin Draper and Conor Murtagh were ruled out while John O"Brien was in the Senior XV. Thus Adam Kennedy swopped to scrum-half, Rory Walsh moved to centre, David Fagan lined up at full-back and Terry Hynes" versatility earned him a slot on the wing. In the pack, Conor Higgins was fit to start in the front row and Keelan Headd and Joe Kenny returned after being rested last weekend. In drizzly conditions, Buccs forced the early pace although playing against the elements but Garryowen survived to grab a 12th minute lead from a penalty which proved to be their only score. Eight minutes later, Kennedy was unable to land his first placekick but, nevertheless, Buccs were already enjoying a decent ratio of possession although they found it difficult to get into the Munster side"s 22. Meanwhile, Garryowen were off-target with two penalties late in the opening half but they led 3-0 at the break. Buccaneers made the much better start to the second half too but again Garryowen held out to get the first real chance of this period but were unable to kick a tricky penalty. Eventually, the growing home pressure was rewarded when Kennedy found the range with a 57th minute penalty to level the scores. Buccs were now forcing the pace but, on the hour mark, Garryowen"s place-kicking woes continued with another difficult penalty missed. They were to dearly rue this as, just three minutes later, Kennedy punished them for not releasing the ball with a confident penalty kick. Thereafter, Buccaneers continued to drive forward but just could not add to their tally, coming close to the Garryowen line on a number of occasions whilst Kennedy"s 77th minute penalty tailed fractionally wide. This was a tremendous team effort by a smaller Buccaneers squad for whom lack of height is a problem at lineout time. However, they lack nothing in heart and commitment and their pack is splendidly competitive and hugely cohesive while the backline is ever willing to have a cut whilst not shirking defensive duties. Perhaps not their most flamboyant display this season but, nevertheless, effective and sustained, and confirms their steady progress throughout a tough campaign. They can now enjoy a brief respite before eagerly-anticipated bigger tests ahead. BUCCANEERS: D.Fagan; C.Molloy, B.Henshaw, R.Walsh, T.Hynes; A.Hughes, A.Kennedy; N.Harney (captain), T.Thompson, C.Higgins; K.Headd, P.Robinson; S.O"Neill, K.Creaven, J.Kenny. Replacements: E.Doolan (for Hughes); H.Reilly (for O"Neill); D.Egan (for Kenny).