Late try robs Carlow of elusive victory

Co Carlow 21 Buccaneers 23

An Eoin Brennan try in the dying moments robbed bottom side County Carlow's hopes of a first AIB League Division One win of the season at Oak Park, as Buccaneers nabbed a 23-21 win.

The Pirates' third success of the campaign looked far from fruition at 12-3 down at half-time, but second half tries from Conor Lavelle and flanker Brennan saw them up to fifth in the table.

Three seasons ago the sides drew 22-all with Buccs missing a late conversion for the win, but it was all Carlow - and in particular Richie Murphy in the first half.

The former Greystones fly-half kicked six penalties and a drop goal in all, and began his tally with the opening two scores.

Buccs winger Justin Meagher replied on 18 minutes before Brennan was yellow-carded for a ruck infringement. Murphy took advantage to tag on another penalty and a late drop goal for their nine-point lead.

Five minutes in the second half, after Murphy's fourth penalty, Carlow full-back Billy Murphy conceded a five-metre scrum and with right wing Lavelle steaming up in the line, Buccs reduced arrears to 15-10, with Meagher converting.

The midlanders were wilting, and with Murphy and Meagher trading two more penalties apiece, the game was set up at 21-16 for an enthralling finish.

"Tayto" Brennan duly obliged with a crisp finish for John McKee's side, cutting inside the Carlow rearguard to touch down to the left of the posts. Meagher converted and Carlow remain winless.

Scorers:

Carlow: Pens: Richie Murphy 6; Drop gl: Murphy

Buccaneers: Tries: Conor Lavelle, Eoin Brennan; Cons: Justin Meagher 2; Pens: Justin Meagher 3