Michael Silke looks ahead to Buccaneers clash with Old Wesley in the Ulster Bank League, the Under 20s meeting with Suttonians and all the latest Club News.
Buccaneers are home to Old Wesley in the Ulster Bank League Division 1B at Dubarry Park on Saturday next and, due to the Italy v Ireland match, the Buccs game has an unusual 4.30 p.m. kick off time. Buccs have won nine and drawn one of their last ten matches and now lead this division by six points. They will be primed to maintain their momentum against Old Wesley whose inconsistent form has seem them slip to fifth in the league table, now fourteen points adrift of the Pirates.
A late try by Shannon saw them edge out Old Wesley 26-22 at Donnybrook last Saturday. When the sides met in Limerick pre-Christmas 48 points were also scored but evenly shared on that occasion. Old Wesley also had mixed results in their fixtures with Naas since Buccs gave them a 49-22 drubbing in November. But with the Dubliners in real need of getting back in contention, the Pirates can expect a sterner test on this occasion. The metropolitans squad features a handful of ex-Buccs in their panel with prop David Henshaw and fly-half Tim Clifford being regular starters. Winger Paul Harte and versatile back Adam Kennedy are generally in their match-day panel but Billy Henshaw and Conor FitzGibbon have not started of late. Back rowers Darren Horan and Mark Rowley are competitive forwards for the visitors while Isaac Leota and Ger Finucane form a strong centre pair. Full-back Rory Stynes and scrumhalf Adam Griggs will pose danger if given space and Barry McLaughlin or Clifford can punish from placed balls.
Jordan Conroy got back to try-scoring ways at Galwegians (his last touchdown was against Old Wesley) and he will be eager to continue that trend while Shane Layden must surely be near to nabbing a batch. Alan Gaughan’s influence on the proceedings could be crucial, including his mentoring of his young half-back partner Frankie Hopkins who is still learning about the pace and power at this level. Luke Carty could be “cotton wooled” again by the Ireland U-20s but, hopefully, the powerful Mata Fifita will be fit to resume in the centre. Ruairi Byrne and Simon Meagher acquitted themselves well at Glenina and will be eager for the fray should Danny Qualter or Cian Romaine be absent again. Kolo Kiripati was injured when the sides last met and he shipped a ‘stinger’ against Wegians but it will take more than that to stop the peerless evergreen No.8 from playing this time. Stephen McVeigh is the Pirates other injury concern in their pack which should be able to line out the formidable front row trio Martin Staunton, John Sutton and Saba Meunargia who did so well in Donnybrook.
Assuming Buccaneers will be near to full strength, they should have the power and tempo to overcome Old Wesley. Supporters are reminded that kick off in Athlone is at the unusual time of 4.30 p.m. so why not come along early to The Bounty to see if Ireland get their RBS Six Nations campaign back on track against Italy. That match starts at 2.25 p.m.
U-20’S Away To Suttonians
Buccaneers U-20’s are away to Suttonians in the J.P. Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 division at J.J.McDowell Memorial Grounds, Sutton, on Sunday. Kick off for this match at the near seafront grounds is 3 p.m. Suttonians are propping up this division, having just three wins to their credit including a recent success at Naas. However, if the Pirates are focussed and committed, then they can keep their good run going and also maintain their highly creditable second place in the league table.
Lip Sync Buccs Fizz Style
Preparations are on in earnest for ‘LIP SYNC BUCCS FIZZ STYLE’ which takes place in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, on Friday week, February 17th. The show starts at 8 p.m. and doors will be open from 7 p.m. It promises to a great night’s entertainment with participants from many sections of the club. Club President Eddie Walsh will be leading by example as he dons a white suit and slicks back his hair! Recent senior captain Martin Staunton will show there is much more to him than merely propping up the other seven forwards in the Buccaneers pack. Acts from our Womens, Under-20’s and Youths teams will also perform as will local characters such as Nino Magliocco and Nigel Lyster as well as dapper barman at The Bounty Kevin Griffin. Choreographer Niamh Donohoe is whipping them all into shape at rehearsals and comedian/impersonator Alan Short will compere the event. Tickets are now on sale at the Sheraton Hotel and the Bounty Bar. Tickets can also be obtained by phoning our Administrator Geraldine at 0861732711 during her office hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. All support is urged for this event which is the club’s key fund-raiser this year.
Westmeath Sports Awards
Young Buccaneers players ANNA McGANN and COREY REID are among the nominations for the “Westmeath Independent” Sports Star of the year award which is organised in association with the Shamrock Lodge Hotel. The gala event takes place on Friday, March 3rd. Please vote for Anna and Corey!
Congratulations
Well done to Buccaneers U-17’s on winning the Connacht League with a ten match winning sequence.
Congrats too to Paschal and Brid Dillon on the birth of a little sister for James.
Canterbury Store
Canterbury Club Store will be on site in The Lower Deck at Dubarry Park on Saturday morning next from 10.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m.