Buccs bid to maintain good form away to Malone

BUCCANEERS make their second trip North of the season today (Saturday) to take on Malone in the Energia All-Ireland League at Gibson Park, just off Belfast’s Cregagh Road. This tricky Division 1B assignment kicks off at 2.30pm.

Malone have won just one of their four matches to date but, apart from their opening day defeat at home to leaders UCC, the northerners put up decent scores and strong finishes.

Ulster duo Declan Moore and Aaron Sexton have made big impacts for the Red Sox. Sexton’s pace in the backline can cause havoc while hooker Moore has notched a try in each of his appearances.

Dan Cave and Ben Gibson are another pair to keep an eye on while Rory Campbell is a consistent placekicker.

Malone will be a tough nut to crack at home where they came back from the concession of three early tries to defeat Banbridge in their last game at Gibson Park.

Buccs have had to chop and change their starting XV a bit to date but have still found winning formulae. Their pack kept working in their stiffest test to date in the 24-13 win over Old Belvedere last weekend and, if they improve their dealings with opposition mauls, then the Pirates unit is highly effective. Meanwhile their backline has pace and potential that can capitalise on the impact by their forwards.

U-20s home to Seapoint

Buccaneers U-20s are home to Seapoint in the JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 Division at Dubarry Park on Sunday. Buccs will be favoured to win against the Dublin club who prop up this division but the young Pirates must guard against complacency at the Athlone venue where the kick-off is at 2.30pm.

Half an hour earlier, Buccaneers U-18.5 “yellow” team are home to Castlebar, kick-off 2pm.