Garryowen power into the semi-finals

GARRYOWEN 28 BUCCANEERS 17

Buccaneers' brave bid to reach the AIB Cup semi-finals ended at Dooradoyle as a power-packed Garryowen side proved largely indestructible.

Garryowen boast an unbeaten record in AIB League or Cup rugby which stretches back to October and with Buccs struggling for form, there was only ever going to be one winner.

Buccs did well in the opening half-hour, living with the hosts but tries from young back-line talents Lorcan Bourke (34 minutes) and Diarmaid McCarthy (36) got Garryowen back on the right path.

They led 15-5 at half-time with full-back Conor Kilroy converting one of those tries and kicking a penalty.

Buccaneers did not let their heads drop and tries from Alex Hayman and John O'Brien, adding to Marcus Madden's earlier effort, kept them right in the hunt.

However, Garryowen put the game beyond the visitors' reach in the 79th minute when team captain Paul Neville muscled his way over the line.

Scorers:

Garryowen: Tries: Lorcan Bourke, Diarmaid McCarthy, Paul Neville; Cons: Conor Kilroy 2; Pens: Conor Kilroy 3

Buccaneers: Tries: Marcus Madden, Alex Hayman, John O'Brien; Con: Alan Gaughan

HT: Garryowen 15 Buccaneers 5