Irish Rugby TV: Buccaneers Battle For Bateman Cup Final Spot

Buccaneers head coach Peter O’Donnell told Irish Rugby TV that he is expecting a ‘tough old game’ against City of Armagh in Saturday’s Bateman Cup semi-final at the Palace Grounds (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Athlone men reached the last-four after a nail-biting 16-14 win over Corinthians in the Connacht Senior Cup final last Saturday. Buccs are off to the Palace Grounds tomorrow to play Armagh, while Garryowen host defending Bateman Cup champions Lansdowne on the other side of the draw.

Speaking about their dramatic provincial title success, Pirates head coach Peter O’Donnell said: “Some things we weren’t happy with having started the game very well and put Corinthians under pressure. We couldn’t kick on from having gone into a good position.”

Buccaneers picked up their second victory in All-Ireland League Division 1B with a 24-17 win at home to Armagh last month, but O’Donnell acknowledged: “That’s immaterial to this game. To get to the Bateman semi-final is an achievement, but obviously we want to go further and I’m sure Armagh will be the same way, so it’s going to be a tough old game.”

Click here for a preview of the Bateman Cup semi-finals.