Rugby returns with a bang at Hamilton Park as Sligo shine

Sligo RFC’s first XV score six tries in impressive home win against Buccaneers in opening round of Connacht Senior League

WHAT a way for senior rugby to return to Hamilton Park. In what was the first competitive game for Sligo RFC’s first XV at their Strandhill base since October 2020, the smattering of home fans were enthralled by Sligo’s six-try show, a 43-10 defeat of Buccaneers.

With Sligo having a new coaching/ management in place, including head coach Josh Reevers and assistant coach Simon Galvan (who was previously a head coach at the club), and a squad with new faces, last Saturday’s Connacht Senior League opener was something of a step into the unknown – for those on the pitch and those watching on.

But Sligo showed their mettle, firstly by overturning a 3-0 deficit to lead 12-3 at half-time and secondly when they scored four tries in the second period. A Buccaneers penalty, which gave the visitors an early advantage, hinted that the Athlone club would be the day’s party poopers.

But a try from vice-captain and hooker Matthew Early, from a move started by Rob Holian, who won a lineout ball, and scrum-half Brendan Cunningham, put Sligo on firm ground.

Winger Philip Carter was the finisher from Sligo’s next profitable attack – Jack Keegan and Guilherme Coghetto were also heavily involved – and Euan Brown’s conversion, the first of his six successful kicks, gave Sligo a 12-3 interval advantage.

Sligo were firing on all cylinders for the second period – in the pack there was power from Pedro Bengalo, Eddie Coyle and Craig Timble, while Sligo’s backs were also exuding fluency. Euan Brown added a penalty and then his deft kick set up Jack Keegan for Sligo’s third try. Brown found the range from the conversion attempt. Sligo stalled – only briefly – when Buccaneers when scored a try that was converted. This reduced the deficit to 12 points, 22-10. Buccaneers didn’t score again, however, as Sligo resumed their control of