Buccs claim final play-off spot

Dungannon 3 Buccaneers 9

Buccaneers claimed the final play-off place in a dour tie at Stevenson Park.

With results going Dungannon’s way elsewhere, Jeremy Davidson’s men lost out 9-3 but remain in Division One, whilst David Connellan’s hat trick of penalties has ensured a play-off date for the second successive year for Buccs.

A lacklustre opening saw neither side want to commit with the high stakes involved, but the obvious power of the Buccaneers’ pack, led by veteran prop Martin Cahill, saw Dungannon cough up four shots at goal for Connellan, two of which were struck cleanly over by the 20-year-old out-half.

2001 champions Dungannon were bolstered by 6’ 5” Tim Barker in the second row, but offered little out wide and were held scoreless until shortly after the restart.

Buccs were guilty of playing the ball on the ground and former Tyrone U21 Gaelic footballer John McGuckian slotted through the Pirates’ posts on 54 minutes to draw within three points.

The home side had various darts at the Buccaneers’ line, thwarted in the closing stages, with number 8 David Kelly putting in some massive hits.

35 metres from goal, Connellan was afforded a chance at a third penalty, and his success with 16 minutes remaining ensured a semi-final date at Cork Con, a side who they defeated at Temple Hill in February.