Ulster Bank League Preview

There is a full program of league games this weekend across all four divisions of the Ulster Bank League.

With the Ulster Bank League at the half way stage it is three Dublin grounds that dominate Division 1A. Successive defeats since Christmas has put a big dent on Young Munster’s title prospects. They will hope to get back to winning ways with a home win over struggling Blackrock College.

Cork Constitution who saw their hopes disappear by that defeat by St. Mary’s two weeks ago are at home to Lansdowne and they will be anxious to halt the Dublin side’s recent good run.

There is a Munster derby at Dooradoyle when Garryowen entertain Dolphin. These two sides are the form sides at the moment after Garryowen booked their place in the final of the Ulster Bank Cup final last week with a win over Buccaneers and Dolphin have defeated both Young Munster and Clontarf in their recent games.

Shannon slipping close to the relegation zone are at home to title chasing Clontarf and the Limerick side will do well to get something from this encounter.

In Division 1B U.L. Bohemian are away to promotion chasing Dungannon and the Limerick side still need a few wins to avoid being drawn into the relegation battle.

Bruff who eased their relegation worries with a win over U.C.C. last time out, face another relegation side when they travel to Galwegians. A win for Bruff would see them move ahead of Galwegians in what is a crucial tie for both teams.

U.C.C. face U.C.D. at the Mardyke in agam ethat is also their colours game and the Cork students will want to win this tie as relegation looms.

Division 2 resumes after a seven week break. In Division 2A all four Munster clubs are in the bottom half of the table. Old Crescent are the best placed and they travel to Donnybrook to face Bective Rangers a ground which is very difficult to get a result from.

Thomond still in danger of being drawn into the relegation battle are at home to Dublin University and the home side will do well to get something from this encounter.

Both Midleton and Clonakilty are in grave danger of being relegated. Midleton are away to an inform Greystones side, while Clonakilty will hope to get their battle away from the foot of the table with a home win over City of Derry.

Division 2B leaders Cashel will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run with an away win over Armagh.

Nenagh Ormond just off the promotion pace can close the gap on Banbridge, the side just above them with a home win.

Highfield also in mid table should prove too strong for Navan at Woodleigh Park and Sunday’s Well are desperately in need of points face a difficult test at home to Suttonians.

FIXTURES:
SATURDAY 28th JANUARY
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Cork Constitution v Lansdowne, Temple Hill, 2.30;
Garryowen v Dolphin, Dooradoyle, 2.30;
Old Belvedere v St. Mary's College, Anglesea Road, 2.30;
Shannon v Clontarf, Thomond Park, 2.30;
Young Munster v Blackrock College, Clifford Park, 2.30;

Division 1B: Belfast Harlequins v Ballynahinch, Deramore Park, 2.30;
Buccaneers v Ballymena, Dubarry Park, 7.30;
Dungannon v U.L. Bohemian, Stevenson Park, 2.30;
Galwegians v Bruff, Crowley Park, 2.30;
U.C.C. v U.C.D., Mardyke, 3.00;

Division 2A: Bective Rangers v Old Crescent, Donnybrook, 2.30;
Clonakilty v City of Derry, The Vale, 2.30;
D.L.S.P. v Malone, Kirwan Park, 2.30;
Greystones v Midleton, Dr Hickey Park, 2.30;
Instonians v Seapoint, Shaws Bridge, 2.30;
Queens University v Old Wesley, Dub Lane, 2.30;
Terenure College v Corinthians, Lakelands, 2.30;
Thomond v Dublin University, Fitzgerald Park, 2.30;

Division 2B: Ards v Sligo, Hamilton Park, 2.30;
City of Armagh v Cashel, Armagh, 2.30;
Highfield v Navan, Woodleigh Park, 2.30;
Naas v Boyne, Fournaughts, 2.30;
Nenagh Ormond v Banbridge, New Ormond Park, 2.30;
Rainey Old Boys v Connemara, Hatrick Park, 2.30;
Sunday's Well v Suttonians, Musgrave Park, 2.30;
Wanderers v NUIM Barnhall, Aviva Stadium, 2.30;