Firsts 8 – Buccaneers 20

Buccaneers won the Connacht Senior League when they overcame Galwegians at Crowley Park on Saturday, outscoring the hosts by two tries to one in what was a useful preparation for both sides in advance of the AIB All-Ireland League kick-off next weekend.

Wegians spurned some early scoring chances having made the better start, but they failed to take their chances including one very kickable penalty which was missed by the normally reliable John Cleary. In the forwards the home side were more than a match for the large Buccs pack, but having weathered the early storm, it was the visitors who opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a blindside break off a line-out by new Connacht recruit David Gannon. The try was expertly converted by ex-Shannon full-back Tom Cregan, one of a handful of key signings from his old club by new Buccs coach Geoff Moylan. Just before the break, Galwegians's winger John McDonagh was very unlucky not to ground the ball following an excellent chip and chase, but it remained 7-0 to Buccs at half-time.

Some early Wegians' pressure after the restart saw them get back into the game with a well-taken drop-goal by new out-half Peter Durkin. However a dominant Buccs then upped the ante, and their sharper and more incisive backline were beginning to create openings, so it was no surprise when they scored their second try on the hour mark from winger Ted Robinson, fresh from Connacht duty the night before in Ravenhill. Cregan added another excellent convert and two more penalties to put Buccs out of reach. However a gallant Wegians' finish saw substitute prop Ronan Loughney finish off a concerted period of pressure in the dying seconds for a consolation try.