Buccaneers RFC Weekly Round-up
Buccs Home To Dolphin
BUCCANEERS are home to Dolphin in the Ulster Bank League Division 1B at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday afternoon. Kick off for this match, sponsored by Ganlys of Athlone, is 2.30 p.m. Buccs were pipped by a solitary point when the teams met in Cork on the day of the Rugby World Cup final and they will be keen to atone for that setback.
The Pirates cast a victory overboard on that occasion but are unlikely to be as generous this time round. They have been immensely impressive in back to back away wins against Dublin University and Ballymena. Alan Gaughan made a welcome return to duty after injury when coming on for the final 25 minutes at Eaton Park while Stephen McVeigh should also be fit and in contention for a starting berth, thus strengthening Head Coach Brett Wilkinson’s options. Meanwhile, Dolphin have suffered a couple of losses of late but that was also the situation when Buccs ran aground at Independent Park in Cork. The southerners are in dire need of points so can be counted on to battle all the way but the midlanders, provided they maintain recent endeavour and focus, should come out on top.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Buccs Seconds have a Connacht Junior Plate fixture although (at time of writing) venue or opponents are not known.
Pre-match function for Dolphin game
There will be a pre-match lunch for Saturday’s match v Dolphin when two of the club’s most esteemed members will be celebrated. Cost is just €30 per person and this includes meal with wine, matchday programme and free admission to the match. Contact Pat Hynes 0876883833 or Geraldine 0861732711 to book. Groups or individuals catered for. Come along and all will be revealed. A good day assured!
Strictly Scrum Dancing
The countdown is on in earnest now for ‘STRICTLY SCRUM DANCING – – – the Buccs way!’ which takes place in Athlone’s Sheraton Hotel on Valentine’s weekend Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February. The show starts nightly at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the hotel, The Bounty and from Geraldine in the club. €25 includes souvenir programme and entry to raffle for a range of prizes. Come along and see club personalities and others displaying unexpected talents as they strut their stuff on the dancefloor!
Best of luck
Best wishes to Athlone’s Robbie Henshaw and West Offaly’s Conor Kenny who have been named in the Ireland Senior and U-20 squads respectively for the forthcoming RBS Six Nations Championships. Good luck too to another Buccaneer Finlay Bealham who is also included in the Senior panel.
Table Quiz On Thursday
BUCCANEERS U-16s are holding a TABLE QUIZ in The Bounty on this Thursday, February 4th starting at 8.30 p.m. Entry fee is €40 per table of four. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations
Despite being busy coaching our U-16s and helping with their forthcoming Table Quiz and UK Tour, David Dunning still found time to visit a jewellers! Congrats to Dave and Chandra Silke on their engagement.
Womens Team Open Night
BUCCANEERS WOMENS TEAM is hosting an Open Night at Dubarry Park, tomorrow night Wednesday February 3rd beginning at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend, be they adults or girls wishing to play rugby. ‘Newbies’ and those who may have played before can come along and “Give Rugby A Try!”