Hendre Marnitz's men pulled clear in the second half courtesy of tries from number 8 Kolo Kiripati, full-back John O'Brien and prop Conor Higgins.

After a nine week lay-off, Buccs understandably took their time to settle. But, in the 13th minute, their hooker and captain Garrett Halligan crossed for a galvanising try. The conversion followed from scrum half Adam Kennedy, who also landed an early penalty.

A try from Dermot Murnane, following a well-executed series of forward drives, closed the gap for Bruff to 10-8, just before half-time, but Buccs completely dominated proceedings after the break.

The Pirates were very efficient in their attacking play and Jack Carty's drop goal and a Kennedy penalty gave them some cushion at 16-8.

Then came the flood of tries. Alex Hayman and Stephen Burke set up Kiripati for Buccs' second of the afternoon and his fifth of the current league run.

Kiripati and his back row colleague Burke, who was voted the man-of-the-match, were then involved in the build-up for a try for the supporting O'Brien, and the bonus point was sealed when Higgins crashed over in the closing stages.