League action returns as Buccs make trip north

This weekend is a key weekend for Buccaneers teams with the Senior side resuming AIB League action away to Dungannon on Saturday when the U-20"s have a vital national league game at the opposite end of the country facing up to U.C.C. The Reserves need to kickstart their campaign away to Our Lady"s Boys Club on Sunday while the Thirds face a local derby away to West Offaly Lions in Ferbane. Buccs await fitness reports on Alamoti TePou (Achilles), Simon Rolleston (calf), Alex Hayman (back), Adrian Hanley (hamstring), Alan Gaughan (thumb), John O"Brien (strain) and Conor Higgins (shoulder) before selecting for the trip to Stevenson Park. However, Sean Carey, Colin Watters, Garreth Halligan, Michael Diffley and Conor O"Loughlin are fit again as Buccs bid to build on their AIB Cup win over Clontarf. Dungannon are, like the midlanders, a bit inconsistent to date winning two out of their four games with one home victory plus an away one. Flanker Derek Hall is well capable of try-scoring and John McGuckin is a decent placekicker while Ireland U-20 Chris Cochraine is a hugely promising winger. But this is a game that Buccs can win if their focus and discipline matches their commitment and potential. Support play must be sharp and a repeat of the pragmatism displayed in that Cup win can be the key. Kick off 2.30 p.m. The U-20"s face another searching test of their pedigree and potential when they travel to Cork to take on one of the fancied sides U.C.C. Buccs have injury worries for this crunch tie too with David Fagan (thumb), Billy Henshaw (hamstring) and Conor Higgins (shoulder) their main doubts but Henry Reilly is fit again while Joe Nangle should have recovered from his knock last weekend. Again Buccs will need to reproduce their resilience and cohesiveness, and match aggression with discipline if their marvellous run is to continue at The Mardyke. Kick off 2.30 pm. The Seconds game has a 2.30pm start on Sunday but the Thirds could yet face OLBC at home on Saturday night, kick off 7 pm, instead of the scheduled tie at West Offaly Lions. Check at club for confirmation.