posted — January 30th 2012

BUCCANEERS get a prompt opportunity to redress the frustrations of last week’s setback against Ballymena when they take on University College, Dublin, in the next round of the Ulster Bank League Division 1B at the Belfield Bowl on Saturday, kick off 2.30 p.m.

UCD have been somewhat mixed in their displays as their four wins, four losses and two draws suggests but they have had some decent results including a fine draw away to leaders Ballynahinch. In Niall Earls they have a very consistent place-kicker while their side is dotted with recent U-20 representatives such as Alex Kelly, Sam Coghlan-Murray, David Doyle, Andrew Boyle, James Tracy and Peter du Toit. With no provinces in action this weekend, Mullingar's Mark Flanagan of Leinster and Connacht's David McSharry could be available to the Students for whom Brian Cawley, who was reared in Athlone, features at lock.

Two young sides on a decent sod should provide an entertaining contest but, as this column has written before, Buccs need to be more clinical and not try to play at 100 kph. If they are focussed, disciplined and play with more cohesion, then they can regain their momentum.

All other fixtures last weekend fell victim to unplayable pitches and, at time of writing, no other matches are scheduled this coming weekend apart from Ireland’s opening ELECTRIC IRELAND U-20 Six Nations Championship game at home to Wales in Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Friday night, kick-off 7 pm.