Buccs back in action as Corinthians clash is moved to Saturday
Buccaneers return to Energia All-Ireland League action when they take on Galway Corinthians at Dubarry Park on Saturday. This Division 2A fixture kicks off at 2.30pm.
The game had been planned for Friday night under floodlights, but the icy weather this week has led to it being put back until Saturday.
Corinthians showed why they are in a strong second place in this division with a comprehensive victory (64-0) when the teams met at Corinthian Park just before Christmas.
They will be expected to prevail again in Athlone as the second half of the season commences. However, home supporters will be anticipating that the Pirates will give a much better account of themselves on this occasion.
Buccs’ mainly inexperienced squad endured a torrid run of results and injuries during 2024 but, with some key players coming back in the near future, hopefully performances and results will improve noticeably.
Buccaneers are currently rooted to the bottom of the Division 2A table and it will take a major upturn in fortunes in order to avoid relegation.
Corinthians look too formidable for the midlanders at present but derby games do not always go to expectations and if the homesters give of their best, perhaps they can cause a surprise.
Junior Cup fixture
With many of their regular players now involved with the All-Ireland League squad, Buccaneers Seconds have also struggled this season. They now face a stiff test in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Cup when they make the short trip to Moher Road to square up to Ballinasloe.
Buccs defeated the east Galway side in the Cup quarter-final there last season and then overcame their neighbours in the Junior 1B League decider to earn promotion to 1A.
But it will be a weaker Pirates crew compared to last season while Ballinasloe are in good form, being joint leaders in 1B at the moment. They will be more than eager to reverse last year’s results and, on home soil, will be favourites. Buccaneers defeated University of Galway in the Connacht Junior 1A League last Sunday, which will boost confidence levels in the Athlone side’s camp ahead of the Junior Cup fixture.