Buccaneers disappointing start in the Energia All-Ireland League continued with a fourth straight defeat writes Michael Silke.
Old Belvedere scoring a 45-19 victory in their Division 1B game played in front of a decent attendance at Dubarry Park on Saturday.
The Pirates made three changes from the defeat to Highfield. With Michael Hanley unavailable, Stephen Mannion manned the fly-half role. Whereas, Conor O’Shaughnessy switched to fullback and Orrin Burgess starting on the right wing.
Fit again James Kelly returned at loosehead prop and Gavin Daly came in at blindside flanker. Meanwhile, Old Belvedere fielded a settled side.
Belvo early reward with an eight minute Michael O’Kennedy try. O’Kennedy failed to convert. Buccs were losing turnovers in the early stages. Belvo capitalised from a lineout near the Buccs 22 with Calum Dowling punishing the hosts with a 25th minute try on the left.
The game was decided in the final quarter-hour of the first-half. Indeed, Belvo scored three tries in this period, all converted by O’Kennedy.
Frankie Hopkins made a super try-saving tackle on Jayden Beckett. With, Daniel Hawkshaw making a fine turnover to temporarily stem the tide. However, slick recycling by Old Belvedere steadily made inroads with their captain Peter O’Beirne finishing off this impressive sequence for a 31st minute try at the posts.
The visitors secured their bonus point try following more neat handling and running with Fionn McWey sending hooker Dowling in for his second try four minutes before half-time. Old Belvedere led 26-0 at half-time.
Buccaneers came more into the game following the change of ends and Belvo’s Jacob Barrett was yellow-carded for an untidy tackle after 52 minutes.
Buccs attempt to comeback
A highly promising home move two minutes later was spoiled by the final pass being throw directly into touch. Jack Keating pounced for a 58th minute try in the right corner against the run of play. O’Kennedy adding the conversion for a whopping 33-0 lead.
To their credit, Buccaneers kept working and finally got reward for their efforts. However, Hopkins robbed possession to set this team moving forward and Mark Earle powered through for a 65th minute. Which Mannion converted!
This was quickly cancelled out when referee Henry Richmond awarded a 70th minute penalty try to the visitors. While, Pirates skipper to the sin-bin. Belvo were soon touching down again with a swift counter-attack down the right flank being finished by Joseph White.
Five minutes from time Leo MacFarlane sent Hawkshaw bursting forward, who released substitute Oisin Dolan in for a try which Mannion converted. Two minutes later, another ill-judged tackle by Barrett earned him a second visit to the sin-bin and a red card.
Hawkshaw then showed desire and strength to make good ground before off-loading to Hopkins for a third home try. The skipper’s quickly taken conversion rebounding off the woodwork.
Despite the endeavours of Hopkins and Audi Athlone man-of-the-match Matthew Burke, Buccs looked ragged and disorganised at times. As Old Belvedere secured a 45-19 victory.
Buccaneers: C.O’Shaughnessy, O.Burgess, D.Hawkshaw, M.Earle (L.MacFarlane 71), J.O’Connor; S.Mannion, F.Hopkins (c), J.Kelly (S.O’Connell 52), M.Victory, S.O’Connell (M.Burke 26), F.Galvin (F.McDonnell 66), D.Qualter, G.Daly (L.Balsiger 71), C.Walsh (O.Dolan 63), C.McCann.
Replacements not used: R.Murphy-Sweeney.
Old Belvedere: J.White, J.Keating, J.Beckett, M.O’Kennedy, G.Nugent (P.O’Dwyer 45 (C.Bird 50)), D.Wilkinson, P.O’Beirne (c), A.Howard (J.Barrett 45), C.Dowling (C.Cunningham 63), H.Flood (N.Moelders 45), P.Dowling, F.McWey (B.Dooley 63), J.Doyle (H.Flood 55), T.Mulcair, K.Thatcher.
Referee: Henry Richmond (IRFU).
