posted — February 7th 2012

BUCCANEERS entertain UL Bohemian in the Ulster Bank League at Dubarry Park on Saturday afternoon, kick off 2.30 p.m. This will be a tricky assignment as UL Bohs, although inconsistent, are well capable of turning over any team in Division 1B while Buccs must not repeat the error of last season when, having won well away, they were undone in Athlone by the Limerick club.

The Pirates slipped up badly to Ballymena when, despite a plethora of possession and territory, they failed to translate that on to the scoreboard. However, they responded in a positive and workmanlike manner at UCD to keep up with the pacesetters and they really must make home advantage pay against UL Bohs. But attitude and effort have not been found wanting in what is a relatively young squad and coach Hendre Marnitz will be striving to get the best out of them as the league enters its decisive stage. He will be hoping for a fairly settled side again on Saturday.

UL Bohs struggled to overcome UCC at home last weekend but, nevertheless, they have decent pedigree in their side with Martin McPhail a particularly dangerous back whose influence must be negated. Ed Torrie and the wily Ben Martin are two other good backs as is scrumhalf Cathal Sheridan. In the pack they will look to frontrowers David Kilcoyne and Sean Henry and locks Dave Foley and Ed Kelly. Sean Rennison is a bustling No.8 while Monivea's Conor Kindregan could feature at flanker.
UL Bohs are not too far adrift of the leading pack yet so still harbour hopes of being in contention for promotion but, if Buccs can field close to full-strength, then the Pirates just have to make home advantage pay.