Buccs match abandoned as crossbar breaks

BUCCANEERS" AIB League Division One game against Galwegians in Dubarry Park came to an early and abrupt end last Saturday when a broken crossbar brought play to a halt after 17 minutes at which stage the homesters were leading 6-0. Contested in abysmal weather conditions, it was felt that the gale-force winds and driving rain might indeed force a postponement or indeed abandonment of the match. The pitch was playable despite the deplorable weather and Connacht"s leading two clubs knuckled down to the challenges on hand in front of a decent-sized crowd who braved the elements. Both sides had no Connacht players in their ranks as Buccs welcomed back Kolo Kiripati and Louie Tonkin to action. James Tormey, also as anticipated, started in the second row but the midlanders faced a pre-match upheaval as Simon Rolleston was not deemed fit due to influenza. Alan Gaughan then slotted into the pivotal outhalf role with Paul Harte returning in the centre. Galwegians lined out along expected lines with U-20 Joe Moran being their only surprise inclusion. Buccs had first use of the elements and obviously dominated territorially, although Wegians contrived to enjoy the greater share of possession with the pragmatic ploy of sticking the ball up their collective jumpers. Nevertheless, the pressure on them forced the concession of a steady stream of penalties and Alan Gaughan landed his first placekick after just 7 minutes. Five minutes later, he was off target but then drilled over a second successful penalty on 15 minutes to edge Buccs into a 6-0 advantage. Perhaps they should have, in the circumstances, kicked one or two of these placekicks to touch close to the visitors" line, which may have yielded greater reward. But, soon afterwards, that did not really matter as the wooden crossbar came adrift from an upright. Referee Richard Kerr had no option but to stop play. He apparently granted the home club ten minutes to repair the damage but this was not possible and, with the match officials rightly deeming the 'top' pitch unplayable (the only other pitch with floodlights), the Ulster official abandoned the game. Ironically, the sun shone brightly soon afterwards and the breeze died considerably, but Buccaneers were unable to capitalise on the elements on this occasion. It is anticipated that mentors from both clubs will liaise in agreeing on a date for the refixture but, with the Six Nations Championship looming and with both clubs involved in the quarter-finals of the AIB Cup, alternative dates are limited, particularly as the Connacht Senior Cup semi-finals did not take place as originally scheduled. This double-header has been changed again, this time moved forward to February 4 with Galwegians facing Corinthians at 6pm and Buccaneers then playing Connemara at 8pm in Galway Sportsground. Buccaneers Thirds" Connacht J2 League duel with their Galwegians counterparts did not take place, falling victim to the foul weather. BUCCANEERS: J.O"Brien; N.O"Hara (capt.), P.Harte, A.Hayman, S.Carey; A.Gaughan, M.Bruce; M.Diffley, G.Halligan, K.Moran; L.Tonkin, J.Tormey; K.Kiripati, K.O"Gorman and A.Hanley. GALWEGIANS: R.O"Beirne; J.P.Cleary, C.Briegl, C.Rodgers, B.Murphy; M.Brandon, T.Ellard; J.Naughton, C.Muldoon, J.Stephens; L.Scahill, D.Nolan; J.Moran, I.Muldoon (capt.), L.Casserly. REFEREE: Richard Kerr (Ulster).