GARRY OWEN fought a successful rearguard action in the second half to secure a hard-earned 16-13 AIB Cup first round win over tenacious Buccaneers at a windswept Dooradoyle yesterday.

Garryowen, semi-finalists in the Cup 12 months ago, looked on track to register an impressive victory when leading 16-3 early in the second half. But Buccaneers, seeking to complete a league and cup double over their opponents this season, sparked to life in the final quarter of this game.

A try from hooker Gareth Halligan and five points from the boot of prolific full-back Tom Cregan brought Buccs to within three points of their opponents. The visitors were growing in confidence and, backed by the elements, looked a good bet to overhaul their deficit.

However, Garryowen, inspired by excellent number eight Frank McKenna and prop Liam �?g Casey held on stoutly in the closing minutes to record a narrow victory.

While the heavy rain relented in time for kick-off, the wind grew in ferocity. In the difficult conditions it was no surprise to see much of the game fought out among the respective packs. Garryowen, thanks to three penalty goals from full-back Eoghan Hickey in the eighth, 26th and 32nd minutes raced into a 9-0 lead.

However, their advantage appeared vulnerable at the break, following Tom Cregan's successful 36th minute penalty goal for Buccs.

The home side made the perfect start to the second period when Kevin Hartigan raced on to Alan Kingsley's perfectly-placed chip to score the game's opening try. Hickey's conversion gave Paul Cunningham's side a 13-point lead.

But Buccs responded in gritty fashion. Halligan's 55thminute try, following a fine break by Aidan Wynne, gave Geoff Moylan's side real hope.

And Cregan's successful conversion and 62nd-minute penalty goal ensured plenty of anxious moments for the Garryowen faithful before the final whistle finally sounded.

Cregan did have a chance to tie the game in the 67th minute, but his difficult penalty attempt from long range flew narrowly left and wide.

GARRYOWEN E Hickey; A O'Loughlin, K Hartigan, C Doyle, C O'Boyle; A Kingsley, G Hurley; L �?g Casey, P Humphreys, E McGovern; M Melbourne; D Sheehan; P Malone, P Neville, F McKenna Subs D Sherry for Neville, 60 mins; C Kilroy for Kingsley, 63 mins; F Quaglia for C Doyle, 79 mins BUCCANEERS T Cregan; N O'Hara, W Wallace, A Wynne, A Hayman; G O'Grady; M Bruce; M Dif"ey, G Halligan, K O'Neill; P Cunningham, D McGowan; D Kelly, C Hartigan, A Hanley Subs C Finnerty for Kelly, 53 mins Referee J Carvill (Leinster) OTHER ALL IRELAND LEAGUE & CUP RESULTS, PAGE 24