Sport

Buccaneers coach optimistic about top of the table clash

IN the earlier part of this century, the midlands rugby playing fraternity was represented by the Shannon Buccaneers

By DES BERRY
Wed Feb 19 1997 - 00:00

IN the earlier part of this century, the midlands rugby playing fraternity was represented by the Shannon Buccaneers. In 1991, two struggling Connacht clubs, Athlone and Ballinasloe, amalgamated, in order to face up to the challenge of providing rugby at the highest level in the midlands.

With a certain club in Limerick so prominent, the authorities were loathe to restore fully an old traditional name to this new club. Consequently, the "Buccaneers" came into being.

Just five seasons on, they stand at the crossroads to the realisation of their ambition. Promotion would mean progress.

The only pity is that a western neighbour will lie in its path next Saturday, at Athlone. Galwegians have soldiered against their own unfashionable geographical location to stamp their unbeaten authority on the AIL Division Three.

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All things being equal, these clubs would like to go up together, but, that will not lessen the desire for victory on either side. With Buccaneers also boasting a 100 per cent record, having played one game less, something has to give.

Galwegians will look to lie expansive. An ankle ligament problem keeps back five option John Casserley out of the pack. The pressure will be on Galwegians in this department, as scrum half Diarmuid Reddan will depend on his big men for possession and protection.

Buccaneers Coach Kenny Torrance, a Kiwi, is upbeat about the top of the table clash. "We are strong and well balanced up front We have developed a nice blend of youth and experience, that has been successful, so far," he says. The Rigney's from Portlaoise and Noel Mannion are expected to turn the screw in the heat of battle. They are at full strength.

There is also ominous news for promotion hopefuls. Portadown will chose from a full strength squad for the first time this season. Winger Robert McDowell has recovered from a finger injury.

Kiwi Jake Smith will be at full back for UCD's trip to Waterpark. This frees Richard Ormond to displace Jack Donaghy at stand off. Queen's University will be without hooker Richard Weir and flanker Neil Kerr at Corinthians. There are a number of positional switches in the backs with John Steen taking over the pivotal role at out-half. Barry Hall and Aaron Calvert come in to the pack.

In Division Two, the leaders Bective Rangers travel to Gibson Park without the services of regular full back Craig Whelan. Damian Guerin steps into the breach. Wanderers utility player Jonathan Garth made the most of Mark O'Driscoll's absence against Derry last time out and retains his place against Sunday's Well on merit. Gary Brennan comes into the centre for Maurice Murphy who is away on business.

Greystones have preferred the in-form Mark Evans to Ritchie Murphy at out-half for the visit of UCC. Murphy has been accommodated on the wing because of his prodigious kicking ability. Stuart Hannon has also made way at scrum half for Steven Scanlon. In fact, the Wicklow club has made seven changes in personnel from the aching reversal against Bective.

Ireland second row Jeremy Davidson, one of the 13 Irish players named in the preliminary Lions squad for the tour to South Africa in May, has been hit by an attack of bronchitis.

Davidson will definitely miss London Irish's English league match against Orrell on Saturday. That is a match between two clubs deep in the relegation zone. At this stage, it is anticipated that Davidson will be fit to play for Ireland against Scotland in Ireland's final match of this season's Five Nations Championship.