Buccaneers out of luck in opening round of touch rugby league

The Buccaneers men’s touch rugby team were in action last Saturday in Round 1 of this year’s Men’s League Division 1 which was held at Dubarry Park.

Conditions on the day were heavy as five teams from around Ireland travelled to Athlone for a bumper day of touch rugby action.

Buccaneers took on Dublin Kingpins Old Wesley in the opening encounter. The Donnybrook side were reigning champions having beaten Buccaneers in last year’s final. They once again got the better of Buccs, winning 5-1, with Jack Gordon getting Buccs’ only try.

Game 2 was against DSC Wanderers, also from Dublin, and Buccs put it up to them early on the game before the athletic Dublin side got into their stride and won 7-0. Wanderers went on to claim a clean sweep on the day with 3 wins from 3.

The final game was a Connacht derby against Racoon West from Galway. Buccs started strongly here with Jack Gordon putting Buccs in front before Racoon West scored twice to lead. Jack then equalised for Buccs with his trademark ‘quickie’ move to level matters.

A crucial intercept try in the middle of the second half helped turned the game in Racoon West’s favour and they held on for a 4-2 win.

Best for Buccaneers on the day was Jack Gordon while newcomers Oisín Moran and Geoff Dillon also impressed.

Buccaneers: Paul Gavin (captain), Cian Copelin, Nigel So, Colm McNally, Jack Gordon, Geoff Dillon, Feidhlim Byrne, Fionn Joyce, Alex Connor, Oisín Moran, Paul Connaughton, Denis O’Connor.