Buccaneers v Dolphin match moved to Creggs
The Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A match between Buccaneers and Dolphin has been moved to Creggs. Kick-off time tomorrow (Saturday) is still 2.30pm.
A Buccaneers spokesperson described the Dubarry Park pitch as "badly cut up at present following a steady stream of matches, many played in bad weather".
And with two storms battering the country this week - with Storm Eunice following Storm Dudley - it has been decided to play the match at the home of Creggs RFC in Co. Roscommon.
Interestingly, the 4G pitch at The Green in Creggs could be advantageous to Dolphin all of whose wins in the AIL this season have been on artificial surfaces.
Buccaneers were frustrated last November when, having made the long trip to Cork, their match against Dolphin was cancelled shortly before kick-off due to Covid in the Rebels camp, a scoreless draw being the outcome. The Pirates will hope for better fortune on this occasion as they strive to maintain their position in the top four.
If they can go close to the collective performance shown against Rainey Old Boys recently, then a Buccs victory should be the outcome. A solid Cup win last weekend against Sligo (22-5) emphasised the improved options available to the coaching team.
But Buccs must guard against complacency for Dolphin on their day can prove difficult opponents. They lie in seventh place in the league table, look safe but maybe not quite far enough away from the threat of being dragged into the relegation mire. So will be searching for vital points but they have lost their last three fixtures, including 50-24 and 55-14 defeats away to MU Barnhall and Nenagh Ormond respectively.
Brian Scott’s charges are inconsistent but the Athlone side must be focussed and disciplined from start to finish to avoid a ‘banana skin’ slip-up.
U-20s home to NUIG
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers U-20s complete their JP Fanagan Leinster League campaign with a meeting against fellow Connacht side NUI Galway at Dubarry Park on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are playing well and are among the pacesetters.
Buccs’ game last weekend against Blackrock College was cancelled as the Dublin side could not play so the midlanders await the outcome on that. Naas took advantage to regain top spot in the league table, two points ahead of Buccs but with one match more played.
NUIG are in third place so they will be eager to put one over the Shannonsiders. However, if Buccs play to their potential (something they have not done totally in recent games despite winning) then they can return to top of the table and maintain their 100% record in Leinster. Kick-off is 3pm.