Cork Constitution 40 beat Buccaneers 10, U21
After their second-half heroics reeling in UL Bohemians last weekend, Buccaneers Under 21s' unbeaten start to the National League's south-west conference (section A) came unstuck when a formidable Cork Con defeated the midlanders 40-10 at Temple Hill, Cork, on Saturday.
Just like Connacht against Toulouse later that evening, there was a gulf in class with Cork Con able to call on a number of AIL players while the Buccs contingent were on Connacht A duty away to Saracens.
The depleted Pirates started slowly and played catch-up throughout. They failed to repeat the self-belief so apparent in over-hauling UL Bohs and did not do themselves justice.
The home pack were much bigger and dominated large spells with number-eight Cathal O’Flaherty particularly influential. Buccs trailed 21-3 at the break, the solitary first half score a Tim Clifford drop goal. Buccs improved in the second half but had given themselves far too much to do. Cork Con’s victory lifts the southerners atop the leaderboard. Robert Henshaw was again Buccs' most impressive performer and threatened at all times. He managed one try single try for his efforts denied any more by a formidable Cork Con defence. Stuart Flynn added the conversion.
Prop Brian Teape and sub James Donaghue also gave their best but, although good in patches, Buccs lacked the necessary consistency, strength and confidence on this occasion.
BUCCANEERS: R.Henshaw; J.Maguire, A.Douglas, S.Flynn, C.FitzGibbon; T.Clifford, B.Digby; B.Teape, E.O’Brien, D.Higgins; B.Stewart (captain), C.Ryan; E.Keena, A.Connaughton and L. Satchwell. Replacements: J.Donaghue (for Keena) and I.McCormack (for Stewart).


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