Five-try Buccs dismiss UCC

Buccaneers 45 UCC 15

Buccaneers got back to winning ways in some style as they ran in five tries in the closing 25 minutes at Dubarry Park to hand UCC a 30-point beating.

The result, coupled with Clontarf’s defeat at Dungannon, was enough to send Buccs to the top of the Division 1B standings.

Number 8 and Connacht-capped winger Brian Tuohy scored two tries apiece.

Hendre Marnitz’s side had the sun and a light breeze at their backs in the opening half and edged ahead thanks to a couple of penalties from scrum half David Connellan.

A 23rd-minute try from flanker Colin Watters, converted by Connellan, added to the home side’s confidence and they were 16-3 to the good at half-time.

Out-half Andrew Burke kicked UCC’s first half points and he converted a 46th minute try from winger Brian Derham – his second of the season – to close the gap to 16-10.

But, on this newly-laid pitch, the home side dominated the remainder. Kiripati eased the tension with a 55th-minute effort and Tuohy added a quick-fire brace after 63 and 68 minutes, chalking up the bonus point.

Tuohy’s first came after a delightful cross-field kick from replacement Aidan Wynne, and the second was the result of a series of errors from UCC.

Kiripati, who excelled throughout, barrelled over for his second try and two minutes from time, outside centre Paul Harte made it sixth with a well-taken intercept try.

UCC ran a penalty in injury-time and prop John Ryan crashed over for a consolation score, which Burke converted.

Scorers: Buccaneers: Tries: Colin Watters, Kolo Kiripati 2, Brian Tuohy 2, Paul Harte; Cons: David Connellan 2, Aidan Wynne; Pens: David Connellan 3

UCC: Tries: Brian Derham, John Ryan; Con: Andrew Burke; Pen: Andrew Burke.