Buccs dodge drop with rousing victory over Young Munster

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1B:

Buccaneers 18 Young Munster 8, Dubarry Park

The result of the day in AIB League Division 1B was Buccaneers' tremendous 18-8 victory over play-off chasing Young Munster at Dubarry Park.

Since David Henshaw has taken control of Buccs, they have won four straight league games and tries from Paul Harte and Connacht's Brian Tuohy did the business this afternoon as they avoided relegation.

New coach Henshaw certainly has had the Midas touch, with the midlanders adding Young Munster to the recent scalps of Dungannon, Ballynahinch and UCC.

The defeat ended Munsters’ 10-match winning run in the league and also extinguished their hopes of beating Division 1B table toppers Old Belvedere to a coveted semi-final spot.

Right winger Aaron Carroll finished off a neat attacking move for the visitors’ only points of a well-contested first half.

Out-half Alan Kingsley, the division’s top scorer with 114 points before kick-off, failed to exert his usual influence on proceedings as Buccs half-backs Alex Hayman and Adam Kennedy showed the way behind a fiercely committed pack.

That commitment was typified by former Connacht back rower Colm Rigney who provided plenty of inspiration as captain, and hooker Garreth Halligan and lock Padraig Burke also made some key plays.

It was in midfield that Buccaneers broke through for a try in each half. Centre duo Harte and Tuohy caused plenty of problems for the Cookies in that area, and the latter’s pace did plenty of damage when Buccs managed to find gaps.

Kennedy converted Tuohy’s second half try, allied to two well-judged penalties, to take Buccs more than a score away and they deservedly held on to claim their most important win of the season.

Munsters could only add a drop goal from Kingsley to their tally, but Mike Prendergast’s side will undoubtedly be tough opposition – particularly at home – when they compete in Division 1A next season.

Scorers: Buccaneers: Tries: Paul Harte, Brian Tuohy; Con: Adam Kennedy; Pens: Adam Kennedy 2

Young Munster: Try: Aaron Carroll; Drop: Alan Kingsley

HT: Buccaneers 8 Young Munster 5