Gritty Buccaneers overcome Clontarf

Buccaneers 20 Clontarf 18

Division One leaders Clontarf came a-cropper at Dubarry Park tonight as Buccaneers scrapped their way to a memorable AIB Cup win.

Two penalties from Alan Gaughan in the final quarter saw Buccs come from 18-14 down with a late surge.

The Pirates, missing all of their Connacht players bar scrum half Conor O'Loughlin, grabbed an early try through Adrian Hanley.

'Tarf led 11-7 at the break thanks to scores from Daragh O'Shea (penalty), Peter O'Brien (drop goal) and Ben Reilly (try).

Kolo Kiripati burst through for a Buccs try on the resumption. Former Buccs favourite Niall O'Brien then touched down at the other end but Gaughan ensured the home side had the last laugh.

Scorers:

Buccaneers: Tries: Adrian Hanley, Kolo Kiripati; Cons: Alan Gaughan 2; Pens: Alan Gaughan 2

Clontarf: Tries: Ben Reilly, Niall O'Brien; Con: Daragh O'Shea; Pen: Daragh O'Shea; Drop: Peter O'Brien