St. Mary’s College proved too strong for Buccaneers in the opening round of the Energia All-Ireland League.
St. Mary’s winning out 41-25 at Templeville Road on Saturday, writes Michael Silke.
The city side got off to a flying start to lead 19-3 inside the opening quarter-hour, but Buccs gradually worked their way into the contest.
St. Mary’s scored an early try following a fine maul, the ball was spread to the left where Daniel Sancery touched down.
Buccs replied with a steady spell of pressure but Matthew Victory knocked on in a promising position.
While, the hosts had another slice of good fortune in the lead up to their second try. Clearly knocking the ball on near their own 22 before scampering downfield where James Harding finished off a drive following a lineout. Mick O’Gara added the two points.
The midlanders opened their account with a Stephen Mannion penalty. However, St. Mary’s responded with their third try.
All initiated from winning the lineout ball and finished off this time by Sancery for his second converted touchdown inside the opening quarter. A healthy 19-3 lead for Mary’s.
Mannion landed his second penalty but Ronan Watters finished off good home pressure to dive over between the uprights for the bonus point try.
Buccs comeback begins
Buccs replied by patiently going through phases before Cian McCann burst through for a try. Mannion converted to leave St. Mary’s ahead at half-time by double scores, 26-13.
Harry Balsiger had the first try opportunity following the change of ends but just could not control the bobbling ball.
Mannion also suffered similar fate close to the home line as Buccs had their best spell of territory.
A clever diagonal kick by the out-half then bounced away unkindly from Orrin Burgess before the Shannonsiders enjoyed some luck.
Hawkshaw determinedly followed up his long kick, pressuring O’Gara into a miskick, then profiting to pounce for a try. Mannion’s touchline conversion narrowed the arrears to 26-20.
Referee Christopher Lough sustained an injury and his replacement was soon signalling a home try by Harding following a maul. Conor Dean then intercepted a Frank Hopkins pass to run in from half-way for his side’s sixth try.
Buccaneers continued to battle and moved the ball from side to side. With backs and forwards all putting in some sterling effort, to send Earle over the home line.
Incredibly the replacement referee, who was not ideally positioned, denied what looked a perfectly legitimate try. This proved a costly decision as it denied Buccs a losing bonus point.
However, the Athlone side’s endeavours were rewarded with the final score of the contest. Victory alert after another spell of concerted pressure to dart through for a try to complete the 41-25 score-line.
St. Mary’s College: C.Hayes, L.Ramirez, M.Fogarty, M.O’Gara, D.Sancery; C.Dean, A.McEvoy; M.McCormack, J.Harding, J.Reidy-Walsh; D.Leane, L.Corcoran; B.Taylor, E.Baxter, R.Watters (c).
Replacements: T.O’Reilly, N.McEniff, L.Jack, C.Pierce, A.Walsh, M.Svejdar.
Buccaneers: C.O’Shaughnessy; H.Balsiger, D.Hawkshaw, M.Earle, R.Murphy-Sweeney; S.Mannion, F.Hopkins (c); J.Kelly, M.Victory, S.O’Connell; F.Galvin, C.McCann; L.Balsiger, C.Walsh, D.Qualter.
Replacements: O.Dolan, D.Bolger, C.Byrne, F.McDonnell, O.Burgess, L.MacFarlane.
Referee: Christopher Lough (IRFU).
