Ulster Bank League Preview

There is another series of games in the All Ireland Ulster Bank League this weekend with the big Munster derby at Temple Hill dominating in Division 1A.

Defending champions Cork Constitution can take a big step towards a semi final place with a home victory over Shannon. Constitution were disappointed with that defeat last week away to Young Munster that saw them lose top spot in the table. Shannon received a big boost with an impressive 20-15 home victory over St. Mary’s College and as under dogs will relish the role in what could be another entertaining chapter in the games between these two great rivals.

Young Munster after that win last week face another difficult test when they travel to Anglesea Road to face leaders Old Belvedere. The “Cookies” must win this game if they are to keep alive their hopes of a semi final spot.

Dolphin who have rediscovered their form with back to back victories, travel to Dublin to face St. Mary’s College. It will be a big ask for the Cork side to record a win a result that could put them back into semi final race.

The two sides anchored at the foot of the table Garryowen and Blackrock College meet at Dooradoyle with the points vital to both as they bid to avoid the relegation play off.

There is a big derby in Division 1B when Bruff travel to Annacotty to face U.L. Bohemian. Bruff won the game earlier in the season 14-13. Both sides are challenging for a play off place and cannot afford another slip up. Bohes go into this tie full of confidence after recent wins over Dungannon and Lansdowne.

U.C.C. play Buccaneers at the Mardyke and the students will have their work cut out to get a result against a side that are close to clinching a return to the top section.

In Division Two Midleton will hope to get back to winning ways after last week’s set back away to Corinthians, when they entertain Terenure College at the Towns Park.

The other three sides in this division are battling against relegation. Clonakilty who moved off the foot of the table with that big win over Malone will have to be in top form when they face Trinity at College Park.

Old Crescent are at home to Corinthians and will have to show an improvement if they are to move away from the danger zone.

Thomond who are now at the bottom of the table face a difficult trip to Queens University and any point picked up would be a bonus.

In Division Three both Sunday’s Well and Nenagh Ormond still in with a chance of promotion have home ties. Sunday’s Well are at home to NUIM Barnhall and will be wary of their opponents especially after their recent win in Cork against Highfield.

Nenagh Ormond are at home to Greystones and will hope to continue their recent good run at home with another victory.

Highfield after their excellent performance last week when they defeated Naas 13-0 have a home tie against Seapoint who are in a strong position for promotion. A repeat of last week’s display by Highfield could see the Leinster Junior League winners lose for the third time this season.

FIXTURES:
SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY
Ulster Bank League Division 1A:Cork Constitution v Shannon,Temple Hill,2.30;
Garryowen v Blackrock College,Dooradoyle,2.30;
Old Belvedere v Young Munster,Anglesea Road,2.30;
St. Mary's College v Dolphin,Templeville Road,2.30;

Division 1B:Clontarf v Dungannon,Castle Avenue,2.30;
Galwegians v Lansdowne,Crowley Park,2.30;
U.C.C. v Buccaneers,Mardyke,2.30;
U.L. Bohemian v Bruff,Annacotty,2.30;

Division 2:Belfast Harlequins v Bective Rangers,Deramore Park,2.30;
Dublin University v Clonakilty,College Park,2.30;
Malone v Ballymena, Gibson Park,2.30;
Midleton v Terenure College,Towns Park,2.30;
Old Crescent v Corinthians,Rosbrien,2.30;
Queens University v Thomond,Dub Lane,2.30;
U.C.D. v Ballynahinch,Belfield,2.30;

Division 3:Ards v Banbridge,Hamilton Park,2.30;
Highfield v Seapoint,Woodleigh Park,2.30;
Instonians v Navan,Shaws Bridge,4.00;
Naas v Suttonians,Fournaughts,2.30;
Nenagh Ormond v Greystones,Nenagh,2.30;
Rainey Old Boys v City of Derry,Hatrick Park,2.30;
Sunday's Well v NUIM Barnhall,Musgrave Park,2.30;
Wanderers v Connemara,Merrion Road,2.30;