April 21, 2008

Chalking up an incredible 67 th win in a row this wonderful Buccaneers under 15 panel faced down the strongest challenge yet put up to them by their Western comrades at Dubarry Park. Played in front of the President of the Connaught Branch of the IRFU former great Leo Galvin praised the two teams who are the best in the province, for the best game of continuous and entertaining rugby he has seen for many years at any level.

Bang from the start Buccaneers were hit surprisingly hard within minutes after a marvellous jinking run by the visitors out-half yielding a try for Westport under the posts, which was converted to give a scoreboard of 0-7. Then after Buccs tapped down in a lineout Westport dived on the ball and helped themselves to 5 more points leaving it 0-12. Like never before these serious questions were being asked of the will of the home side to gel together. Several penetrating attacks by Westport were stoutly defended especially by the pack and what looked like certain tries when numbers 2 and 8 appeared among the midfield players were snuffed out by the saving tackles of full back Robbie Henshaw and hooker John Monaghan.

From the second half kick-off, with the wind following now the home side answered the call following half time, deft footwork and direct weaving running by captain Jack Carty saw him touch down a brilliant try leaving the score at 5-12.

Buccs now tackling much lower down in this half, applied further pressure giving another successful scoring move only denied by a fringe when to the disbelief of the many Buccs supporters the decision went against. Showing fantastic discipline James Donoghue led his pack to deliberate attack after impressive attack, Lee McLaughlin running twice showing a clean pair of heels, all but made the line himself before Glen Carey burst over for a timely try. Now the Westport lead was reduced 11-12 and excitement rising.

Not long after this kick off, Jack Carty struck a devastating drop-kick from 30 metres that proved a devastating blow to Westport hopes of taking the trophy. Now the score stood at 13-12.

With 20 minutes remaining the game was in the balance, and the game remained between the 22’s except for one break by scrum-half Barry Digby that spreadeagled the defence who were unable to read his jinking run and he passed to the waiting capable hands of Aidan Connaughton who pounced over the line for a try widening the gap to 18-12.

Less than a converted try between the sides full concentration was needed up to the end. At full time the delight of the home crowd was heard until the presentation. Now heroes of this day their job done the panel are delighted with themselves for their hard work, their sacrifice and with their parents support over the year.

The uninterrupted record of three cups and leagues in a row sets a new standard for teams in the club. All the excellent years of success with this brilliant panel would not have emerged to this level without the unfailing attention given for the last eight years by their long serving coaches Tony Henshaw and Micky Donoghue. Appreciation from all players and parents for these two particular coaching stalwarts cannot be exaggerated.

Buccs under 15 Panel includes: James Donoghue, John Monaghan, Glenn Carey; Seb Ryan, Lee McLaughlin, Darren Digan, Eunan McBrearty, Christy Haughain; Aidan Connaughton, Barry Digby, Jack Carty (Captain), Conor Fitzgibbon, Anthony Cassidy, David Fagan, John Maguire, Conor Seerey, Robert Henshaw, Conor Hannify, Emmett Donnelly, Conor Donoghue, Jack Donoghue, Conor Flynn, John Naughton, Darragh Glynn, Lee Moran, Ryan Reid, Robert Corcoran, Tony Deehan, Damien Hyland.