Weekend Club Preview

There is a full programme of games in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League this weekend as well as eight Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup ties.

Shannon and UL Bohemian get the show on the road under lights at Thomond Park in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League on Friday evening. Shannon, who are sixth, will be expected to make it two wins out of two as they defeated their struggling neighbours 14-12 in the corresponding fixture in October.

On Saturday, Cork Constitution who are fifth will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in their bid to finish in the top four as they entertain second-placed Clontarf. Con’ are two points behind fourth-placed Garryowen and they were defeated 15-14 by ‘Tarf in Dublin in October.

Fourth-placed Garryowen are away to Galwegians, who are hovering above the drop zone. The Limerick side will be expected to claim all points on offer and make it two wins out of two over ‘Wegians.

Third-placed Young Munster will be expected to keep their challenge for a top-four finish intact as they host bottom side Ballynahinch, who they defeated 34-29 when these sides met in County Down.

In Division 1B, Dolphin will be expected to claim maximum points from their home meeting against bottom side Belfast Harlequins as they aim to take another step closer to safety in their battle against a second successive relegation.

UCC, who are third in Division 2A face a tricky assignment as they travel to Belfast to take on fourth-placed Malone. The Students, who ran out 33-21 winners when these sides met at the Mardyke, are coming off the back of an 18-13 away defeat by Cashel.

Fifth-placed Cashel will have their work cut out as they travel to County Kildare to take on Naas, who are second. Cashel ran out 20-11 winners when these sides met at the Spafield in October.

Sixth-placed Nenagh Ormond welcome leaders Banbridge to North Tipperary, with the County Down side expected to claim the honours.

Thomond host Corinthians in a basement clash and the Limerick side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count and make life difficult for the Galway side who they defeated 19-12 in October.

Third-placed Highfield make the long trip to County Tyrone to take on Dungannon, who are seventh, in Division 2B. The Ulster side ended Sunday’s Well’s winning run last time out and ‘Field, who are coming off the back of a narrow defeat by Greystones, will have it all to do if they are to make it two wins out of two as they defeated Dungannon 36-14 on Leeside.

Division 2C leaders Old Crescent travel to Drogheda to take on struggling Boyne, who they defeated 31-16 in Limerick in October and will be expected to return home with the points.

Seventh-placed Kanturk host fourth-placed Bruff. The Duhallow side will be aiming to bounce back from their 29-5 away defeat by Tullamore last time out and make it two wins out of two over Bruff as they ran out 31-23 winners when these sides met in County Limerick.

Midleton, who are sixth are at home to struggling Sligo and the East Cork side will be expected to record their second victory of the season over the North Connacht side.

There are four games down for decision in the Munster Junior League, with several ties in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup and Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate.

On Saturday evening, Mallow, who are hovering above the drop zone in Division 2, travel to the Kingdom to take on Castleisland, with the home side in mid-table.

Cobh Pirates will be aiming to close the gap on leaders Abbeyfeale when they host Ballincollig in a Cork derby.

In Division 3 Killorglin will be expected to claim the points from their away tie against Bantry Bay and overtake Fermoy in third place.

Chorca Dhuibhne entertain bottom side Scariff, with the West Kerry Gaeltacht side seeking their first win since they defeated Carrick-on-Suir 25-8 in South Tipperary in mid-October.

Dungarvan, who recorded a surprise away win over Midleton in the first round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup entertain Old Christians, with the winners away to Cork Constitution in Round 3.

Skibbereen host Waterford City, with the winners away to Bandon.

In Round 3, Thurles welcome Young Munster to the Premier County and the winners will have a home quarter final tie against Kilfeacle or Highfield who meet at the Tipperary venue.

Clonmel, who win the trophy for the first time two years ago, are away to Youghal and the winners will be rewarded with a home quarter final tie against, Waterford City, Skibbereen or Bandon.

Galbally host near neighbours and 2014 runners up Clanwilliam and the winners will be at home to Dungarvan, Old Christians or Cork Constitution in the quarter finals.

Richmond entertain Old Crescent in a Limerick City derby and the winners will be away to UCC or Cashel, who go head to head at Curaheen Road.

In the first round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate, Dolphin host Douglas-Carrigaline at Irish Independent Park, with the winners at home to Mallow in Round 2.

Newcastle West host 2012 winners Presentation with the winners away to Garryowen.

In Round 2, Charleville host Waterpark and the winners will be away to Ballincollig or Kanturk.

Killarney, who won the trophy in 2011 and 2013 face a tough assignment against Division 2 pacesetters Abbeyfeale, with the winners away to Nenagh Ormond.

Midleton host Muskerry in a Cork derby with the winners meeting, Douglas-Carrigaline, Dolphin or Mallow in round three.