Buccs return to top flight with home game against Dolphin

BUCCANEERS are back in Division One of the AIB League and they kick off their competitive action at home to Dolphin in Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday afternoon, 2.30pm. This year"s Division One promises to be tougher than ever, especially as the IRFU will be splitting the top flight into two sections next season, based on meritocracy from this season"s results. Accordingly, all clubs will be striving to finish in the top eight and, consequently, competition will be far keener than in some recent years. But that is a sub-plot to this season"s AIB League Division One campaign in which Buccaneers have eight games at home with seven away. Consolidation will be the immediate target, and the midlanders intend to be competitive. Thus they must hit the ground running on Saturday as home form is vitally important. Teams simply must win a sizeable majority of their home fixtures and Buccaneers will be hoping to make the best possible start on Saturday when Dolphin return to the midlands. Dolphin will pose a huge challenge for Buccs and indeed the Cork club outwitted the midlanders on their last visit two seasons ago to grab a win that proved vital in their quest to secure their Division One status. They built on that last season and were denied a Top Four play-off berth only in their final league game of the season when eventual champions Cork Constitution defeated them in the "Rebel" derby. Munster duo Tomas O"Leary and James Coughlan did most of the damage in the aforementioned win over Buccs, ably assisted by outhalf Barry Keeshan, and the Athlone side were ultimately relegated at the end of the season. But the midlanders promptly bounced back from life in Division Two on the back of hard work, much improved team spirit, a little slice of luck here and there, and a willingness to battle on to the bitter end in tight matches. They will need to continue in this vein on Saturday. Support play and disciplined aggression will be two key ingredients while they must also maximise all scoring opportunities. Coaches Jude Lennon and Tony Dolan have been working hard with their charges although a growing list of injuries is causing some anxiety. However, if Buccs muster anywhere close to full strength, they can be counted on to be competitive. Full-back Niall O"Hara captains the side in an enterprising backline where Simon Rolleston and Mark Bruce will again man the key half-back berths. Last season"s "OYSTERhomes Player of the Year" Alex Hayman is joined by another Scot, Niall Lear, in the three-quarters line, where Alan Gaughan and Paul Harte look like manning the wings. Harte is an injury doubt but should be fit to start although Sean Carey is, unfortunately, a certain absentee due to injury. With Connacht"s U-20 campaign concluded, hugely promising signing from Connemara John O"Brien and Athlonian Billy Henshaw should both be available while Conor Lavelle and Sean Brady will also be keen to start. Matters are less clear in the pack where Garreth Halligan, who was superb all last season, and Michael Diffley expect to be fit while Alamoti TePou"s injury is not as serious as first feared but the Tongan is hoping to pass a late fitness test. Another South Sea islander, Kolo Kiripati is also carrying a knock but the Samoan is anticipated to start where his ball carrying ability will be a vital cog in Buccs" armoury. Louie Tonkin, who crossed the great divide from Galwegians to Buccaneers, will be hopeful of making the starting XV but Colin Watters (due back soon from Chad) and Stephen Burke (injured but heading to Australia) are certain absentees as is Clifford Richardson (not yet back from Oz but injured in any case). Adrian Hanley should start at No. 8 and Kieran O"Gorman is a likely backrow partner for last season"s captain. Stalwart Benny Gilligan, a rejuvenated Kevin Moran and another U-20 Conor Higgins will be eyeing positions for the front row battle as will Marcus Madden. Gavin Kelly, Anthony Hughes and Brendan McManus are other forwards hoping for inclusion in the match squad. Injuries have disrupted preparations to some extent but, overall, there is a nucleus of solid, committed and confident players available who will be eager to get Buccs" AIB League campaign off to a winning start. Good defence and ball retention will be crucial aspects to Buccaneers" aspirations and, with Division One rugby returning to Athlone, the players will be looking to a decent crowd to support them on their mission come Saturday"s showtime when home advantage must be made to pay.