Match Reports category listing | Buccaneers Rugby Football Club Athlone

Buccaneers U-20’s showed real character to overcome a strong Dublin University challenge in an enthralling and entertaining J.P.Fanagan Leinster Premier 2 league encounter at Dubarry Park last Sunday. The home team made four changes from the previous week with Brian McDonnell making his first start for the club in the back row and Goncalo Catarino returning from injury. Liam Winnett was welcomed back following his exertions in Ireland U-20’s camp the previous week. In a final change Sean Flynn, also returning from injury, slotted into the full back berth with Jensen Nagle moving to the wing.

BUCCANEERS 23 MALONE 24

BALLYNAHINCH and Buccaneers served up a feast of scores in their All-Ireland League Division 1B encounter played at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday when the homesters came out on top by 42-31. The elevated ground was in top class nick but a sunny afternoon following pre-match hailstones was bracingly cold. In a fluctuating contest, the exchanges were fairly even for the opening quarter but, bizarrely, Buccs then suffered a triple setback on the half-hour mark when they lost three forwards to injury. Ballynahinch took control in the third quarter to build up a 42-10 lead before the Pirates late rally salvaged a try-scoring bonus point.

After a difficult opening to their All-Ireland League campaign, Buccaneers finally clicked into form with a barn-storming display against Old Wesley earning their first win on a 41-14 scoreline at Dubarry Park. Blistering starts to both halves stunned the previously undefeated visitors and Buccs were full value for their emphatic bonus point Division 1B victory in Athlone on Saturday.

Despite a battling and sustained effort, Buccaneers were outgunned on their maiden visit to Rifle Park where Banbridge’s powerful pack laid the foundation for the home side’s 24-0 victory in this All-Ireland League Division 1B game on Saturday. In this first ever meeting between the clubs, the northerners dominated for large spells of a game played in saturated weather conditions.

BUCCANEERS 13 NAAS 36

BUCCANEERS kick off their All-Ireland League campaign with an intrigueing home fixture against Naas on Saturday. This Division 1B encounter kicks off in Dubarry Park at 2.30 p.m. The teams’ only previous meetings were in this division two seasons ago with the Pirates coming out on top on both occasions. Both matches were finely balanced, exciting jousts so spectators will be hoping for more of the same in Athlone on Saturday.

CONNACHT EAGLES 22 OSPREYS A 27

GALWEGIANS 27 BUCCANEERS 26

BUCCANEERS made a winning start to the Connacht Junior 1A League when they defeated Sligo 22-18 in a well-contested opener at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday.