March 29, 2008

RUGBY with MICHAEL SILKE

Six Buccaneers forwards protect possession against Dublin University..

BUCCANEERS ARE BACK in premier rugby when they defeated Dublin University 22-3 in their AIB League Division 2 final series match to confirm promotion back to the topflight at the first attempt. The result was seventh heaven for Buccs, their seventh straight victory heralding a magnificent recovery from a seemingly hopeless position in mid January when they lay eight in the league table. But, it has been WIN, WIN, WIN since as the midlanders piled up the points, dotted down the tries and reeled in the pacesetters with the assistance of no less than nine Bonus points this season. And, adding icing to an already very satisfying cake, Young Munster were unable to secure a Bonus point at Old Crescent and thus Buccaneers clinched top spot in the league rankings after a memorable campaign.

This has been a splendid achievement by the midlanders. Following relegation last season, a full team more-or-less departed the club for one reason or another, so Buccs had to almost literally start from scratch. A new “in-house” coaching team was appointed with club stalwarts Tony Dolan and Jude Lennon taking up the challenge ably abetted by a number of fellow members and long-time servants. A core of decent players remained as well as some exciting young talent to which a mere handful of new recruits were added. It took a while for the mix to jell, a heavy injury list not helping the cause early on. But the spirit and attitude of the players has generally been excellent and, once they got a run of victories under their collective belt, confidence and camaraderie blossomed as the squad sensed something special.

While there were some disappointments along the way, Buccs worked hard and, unlike recent seasons, the mentors made some tough calls. Team spirit was terrific and, probably, the sum of the whole is greater than the individual parts. And an odd slice of good fortune (painfully absent in recent campaigns) helped, particularly in what in hindsight was one of Buccs pivotal wins when sheer persistence turned round a 16-5 deficit against Belfast Harlequins with only nine minutes remaining into a stirring 18-16 success. Belief awoke after that game, culminating in a splendid away win over fellow contenders Malone that set up such a rich dividend last Saturday.

Since Buccs began their winning streak, it has really been one Cup final after another for the players, who could not afford a single further slip-up. It was appropriate then, perhaps, that Buccs sealed matters against Trinity on the eve of the feast of St.Thomas (the doubter)!

Despite poor weather, Buccaneers supporters turned out in their biggest numbers of the season for the visit of the world’s oldest rugby club, Dublin University to Dubarry Park, Athlone. Buccs again had no Connacht frontliners for this Elan-sponsored match and started with the same XV that performed so splendidly at Malone. Trinity, needing one point to be absolutely certain of avoiding relegation, togged out in all-white. This may not have been the best choice of colour on such a foul, mucky afternoon but it certainly was not a signal of concession by the Students who made life very difficult for their hosts for fifty minutes.

The pre-match downpours and hailstones made underfoot conditions were very difficult for the players while supporters were glad that Dubarry Park is well equipped to provide shelter for large numbers. A cold breeze, favouring Buccs in the opening half, added to the endurance test for player and spectator alike. Buccaneers had first use of the elements and promptly set about opening their account. Simon Rolleston found a gap in the first minute but when the ball was moved quickly from left to right the final pass to Alan Gaughan was forward with the try-line beckoning.

Peter Roche, refereeing in place of the appointed official Gareth Dunlop, then ruled that Buccs were guilty of crossing as Sean Carey galloped into unguarded Trinity territory six minutes later. But Buccs did not have long to wait for their first try. Mark Bruce smartly tapped a free in midfield after the Students had infringed at a lineout and moments later Alex Hayman was surging through for a ninth minute try which Alan Gaughan converted.

All was going to plan, or so it seemed. But Dublin University had other ideas. With conditions not suiting a typical college side (nor did they suit this particular Buccs outfit), Trinity were defiant and dogged, willing and able to put the ball up their collective jumper and frustrate Buccs. Needless to say, they were not making very much headway against the joint influences of the homesters and the elements, but Buccs were stuck (almost literally) in midfield for long spells while an officious referee did not make sufficient allowances for the conditions

With the downpours regularly returning, the pitch churned up further but Trinity’s resolve remained resolute. Buccs next sniff of a try did not materialise until 26 minutes but Niall O’Hara’s crossfield kick was imprudent when he had numbers to his right to use. Dublin University lost fullback Paul Gillespie through injury after 31 minutes and then had lock John Byrne yellow-carded on 36 minutes for punching but Buccaneers still could not add to their tally while he was in the sin-bin. Indeed, it was the students who came closest to scoring in the final minute, captain Joey Burns breaking on the blindside to set Conor Donohoe off but Garreth Halligan got back to put in a try-saving tackle. Trinity opted for touch with a penalty in this late flurry but Buccs held their line intact, but their 7-0 advantage at halftime looked vulnerable.

Both sides resumed with 14 players, Bruce still receiving treatment as the second half kicked off. Paul Harte replaced Carey, who sustained an eye injury, at the break. Buccaneers resumed in a change of strip, with their mentors encouraging them to remain patient and the chances would surely come. Adrian Hanley joined the fray, coming on for Stephen Burke after 51 minutes, as the sun finally shone through. Two minutes later, Trevor Conneely made a terrific raid but substitute Wallace put in a try-saving tackle almost on the same spot where Halligan had denied Trinity.

Harte breaks Students!

Then, in a blistering three minutes two try salvo, Harte killed off the Students challenge. Hanley instigated the move that set up fellow substitute Harte’s first try on the left after 54 minutes before Conneely and Hanley again showed quick hands to set the winger on his way for the second try. Both were scored wide on the left and Gaughan was short with both conversion attempts. However, victory was now surely assured with Buccs 17-0 to the good.

With promising news being received from Rosbrien, Buccaneers sensed that a fourth try could be priceless, and so it proved. It was a worthy one too. With the game in the final quarter, Gaughan deftly chipped ahead along the Stand touchline and bravely retained possession. Hayman and O’Hara were quickly up in support as the ball was smartly transferred infield to Halligan close to the visitors’ 22. The hooker showed wonderful reservoirs of strength to withstand three attempted tackles whilst also displaying adroit juggling abilities to somehow hold on to the greasy ball before scampering away for a wonderfully-taken 61 st minute Bonus point try. Although Gaughan’s conversion kick unluckily tailed wide, Buccs were now in the driving seat 22-0 ahead.

Buccaneers could now unload their bench, giving Benny Gilligan, Marcus Madden and Anthony Hughes deserved involvement in the action on this memorable occasion. Dublin University battled very gamely to the finish with Johnny Watt landing a 68 th minute penalty. The impressive outhalf was off-target seven minutes later from a similar position so a solitary score was scant reward for their sustained endeavours, best epitomised by flanker Shane Young’s contribution.

But this was Buccaneers day and, although it took them close on an hour to quell the Students, they were patient, purposeful and richly deserving of their victory. Halligan was outstanding and duly named ‘OYSTERhomes Man of the Match’. Conor Higgins did Trojan work in the tough going as did Clifford Richardson and Hanley when introduced. Harte made a dream contribution too while Hayman was solid and Bruce battled through the pain barrier. Conneely contributed well also while O’Hara achieved a notable record of leading Buccs to victory in every match he has captained them!

Congratulations to all players in the squad and their mentors on this prompt return to Division One. Thanks to all who supported Buccaneers, especially our title sponsors OYSTERhomes, through this long but ultimately highly rewarding season as Buccs scored 310 points including a whopping 41 tries. Alan Gaughan, who scored in every Buccaneers match bar one, enjoyed a haul of 124 points.

BUCCANEERS:- N.O’Hara (captain); A.Gaughan, A.Penzhorn, A.Hayman, S.Carey; S.Rolleston, M.Bruce; M.Diffley, G.Halligan, C.Higgins; C.Richardson, A.TePou; C.Watters, T.Conneely and S.Burke. Replacements:- P.Harte (for Carey, inj. h-t), A.Hanley (for Burke, 51 mins), B.Gilligan (for Diffley, 65 mins), M.Madden (for Bruce, 65 mins) and A.Hughes (for TePou, 73 mins).

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY:- P.Gillespie; S.Hanratty, V.Rouse, Conor Donohoe, K.Stafford; J.Watt, J.Burns (captain); T.Goodbody, M.Murdoch, J.Gethings; J.Byrne, R.Young; S.LaValla, S.Young and B.Coyle. Replacements used:- A.Wallace (for Gillespie, inj. 31 mins), A.Mathews (for Byrne, 60 mins) and Ciaran Donohoe (for Gethings, 73 mins).

REFEREE:- Peter Roche ( Munster).

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION TWO
	Played	Won	Drew	Lost	For	Against	Bonus	Points
BUCCANEERS	15	11	0	4	310	191	9	53
Young Munster	15	41	2	2	272	129	4	52
Belfast Harlequins	15	11	1	3	312	161	5	51
U.C.Cork	15	11	1	3	271	170	4	50

Buccaneers and Young Munster promoted. Barnhall and Suttonians relegated.

Buccaneers are now home to fourth-placed University College, Cork, in the Top Four Playoffs while Young Munster entertain Belfast Harlequins. Ironically, UCC and Young Munster defeated Buccs in the league so the midlanders have a point to prove! Buccs will have home advantage for this semi-final which is likely to take place in Dubarry Park on Sunday, April 13th so celebrations will be curtailed!