posted — January 24th 2012

BUCCANEERS U-21s were decidedly unfortunate to go down 17-13 away to Garryowen at Dooradoyle, Limerick, on Saturday when the teams played out an entertaining South-West Conference Section A National League fixture. Twice the Athlone outfit led but a lack of options on their bench helped the hosts keep in touch and then edge the verdict with a late try.

Injuries ruled out halfbacks Jim Clifford and Barry Digby while Conor FitzGibbon was also missing from the backline. Yet Buccs made a blistering start with some exciting play carving Garryowen apart. Luke Satchwell opened the scoring when he followed up his own kick ahead to secure possession and then outstrip the home defence for an early try. Further fine play by the midlanders saw good handling in the build up to the second try at the end of the opening quarter. Here Andrew Douglas displayed some individual brilliance in setting up Satchwell's second try for a 10-0 advantage.

Soon afterwards, Buccs suffered the first of two key setbacks with Shane Layden sustaining a hand injury that forced his early withdrawal. Garryowen steadied their ship and got back into the contest with a brace of tries before the interval, one a soft one and the other converted as they punished errors by the Pirates for a 12-10 lead at the break.

Buccaneers restarted brightly in the second period and Stuart Flynn landed a long penalty to nose them ahead but then captain Barry Stewart suffered a nasty leg injury. His loss and the lengthy break in play as he received attention disrupted Buccs and Garryowen took advantage to grab a third try. The midlanders battled valiantly in the final quarter but came up with only some near misses to show for their gallant endeavours. However, the losing bonus point secured could yet be vital.

No. 8 Satchwell was Buccs outstanding player with centre Robert Henshaw also doing particularly well. Ethan Keena worked tirelessly at lock as did wing Douglas, both these young players operating in unfamiliar roles. Best wishes for speedy recoveries are wished to both Barry Stewart and Shane Layden.

BUCCANEERS:- S. Layden; J. Maguire, R. Henshaw, D. Africano, A. Douglas; S. Flynn, C. Greene; B. Teape, E. O'Brien, D. Higgins; E. Keena, B. Stewart (captain); J. Donaghue, S. Meehan and L. Satchwell. Replacements:- R. Corcoran (for Layden, inj.) and I. McCormack (for Stewart, inj.).