Vital fixtures for u-20’s & seconds
Buccaneers Seconds and U-20s teams are in action on Sunday when both have testing away fixtures.
The Seconds make the short hop to Graigueawoneen for a derby joust with high-flying Ballinasloe in the Connacht Junior 1A League. Buccs suffered a 33-8 home defeat in the opening round of the league to their neighbours who are currently in third place following their recent 33-0 success at Galwegians. However, under Garreth Halligan’s stewardship, Buccs are now better organised albeit still inconsistent. However, a tilt with their neighbours will surely focus the Pirates to ask searching questions at Moher Road following the 2.30 p.m. kick off there.
Buccaneers U-20’s are a lot more consistent as evidenced by their fourth straight win last Sunday when they overcame NUI Galway by 21-14 in their J.P.Fanagan Leinster League Division 2 encounter at bitterly cold Dangan, Galway. This hard-earned victory over the bottom club keeps the midlanders in third place in this competitive league.
They will face a stiff test this Sunday when they journey to Forenaughts to tackle Naas. The Co. Kildare side had a narrow away win last time out in a high-scoring 33-31 encounter in Greystones. However, the Pirates could be bolstered by a trio with Senior experience this season if Simon Meagher, Eoghan Maher and Luke Carty are available. This committed squad can eke out an important win in Naas if they play with sustained commitment, endeavour and discipline.
Buccaneers First team’s final Ulster Bank League game this year is away to Ballymena on Saturday week, December 3rd. All support there will be greatly appreciated by both the players and mentors. So if you can, start planning this trip now!
Nathan White joins Buccaneers backroom team
Nathan White, whose rugby career recently ended prematurely through injury, has been added to the backroom team at Buccaneers. The 35 year old hails from New Zealand where he captained Waikato. He played with Leinster before transferring to Connacht four seasons ago and was part of their Guinness PRO12 title winning squad. The prop, who only won his first Senior international cap last year, went on to play 15 times for Ireland including appearances in the Rugby World Cup finals. He will bring top level experience and skills to the Pirates coaching team and he is warmly welcomed on board.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy is extended to Callum Boland and family on the death of his grandmother Jane Boland. May she rest in eternal peace.