Under 20s continue fine start

BUCCANEERS U-20"s maintained their magnificent start to the South-West Conference Division One when they defeated a dogged Bruff outfit 29-0 at bitterly cold Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Sunday afternoon. This was Buccs sixth straight success and their fourth with a bonus point as the midlanders set the pace in this league. Another clean sheet was again a good aspect to the homesters victory despite playing not up to par on this occasion in a game that replicated some of the elements of the Ireland v Argentina affair the preceding afternoon. Buccaneers did not quite match their recent performances in a scrappy contest but, nonetheless, they applied themselves willingly to the task on hand, and stuck at it. Bruff are always difficult opponents founded on good schooling at their underage level. Consequently, it took Buccs some time to impose themselves on the proceedings with the imperious Kevin Creaven putting them on their way when he collected an overthrown lineout to breach the Bruff defence for the opening try. Adam Kennedy converted and also landed a penalty for a 10-0 lead. That was stretched to 15-0 by the break when Terry Hynes finished off a good backs move for a try. Bruff were more aggressive on the restart, forcing Buccs to demonstrate their resilient and able defensive qualities as they absorbed pressure from the visitors. The midlanders cause was not helped by injuries to David Fagan and Conor Higgins but they regrouped and faced up to these additional challenges. Eoin Doolan grounded for Buccaneers third try following fine interplay between backs and forwards. John Connellan scorched through from fullback for the fourth and bonus try, touching down at the posts in the final quarter. Kennedy converted both second half tries to ease Buccs to their 29-0 winning margin. "Milky" Creaven was Buccs best performer with lock Keelan Headd again immense in the second row and Paul Robinson putting in another notable contribution at No. 8. Connellan, who moved to fullback after Fagan"s early injury, looked very comfortable in that role while Conor Murtagh (who came on at scrumhalf with Kennedy switching to outhalf) looked very lively. This was a solid rather than spectacular showing by Buccaneers but, nevertheless, they maintained their focus, industry and discipline to forge a win that was harder than it looked. However, it was fully merited and the hard work (and listening) by these young players has reaped fine rewards to date, building their confidence for Saturday"s huge test away to U.C.C. Buccaneers- D. Fagan; J. Nangles, T. Hynes, C. Draper, E. Doolan; J. Connellan, A. Kennedy; C. Higgins, D. Egan, T. Thompson; K. Headd, R. Byrne; S. O"Neill, K. Creaven and P. Robinson. Replacements: C. Murtagh (for Fagan, inj.), C. Molloy (for Nangles, inj.), L. Doran (for Higgins, inj.), D. Burns (for Egan) and A. Hughes (for Byrne).