Weekend Preview

SENIOR PREVIEW

The Men’s All-Ireland League continues this weekend with a full programme of games across all five divisions and the Women’s All-Ireland League resumes after a two-week break.

In the Men’s All-Ireland League, Cork Constitution, who are fourth, travel to the Capital to take on leaders Clontarf at Castle Avenue. The Lilywhites go into the tie on the back of a narrow 19-18 home win over Young Munster. Clontarf returned from North Tipperary with maximum points following their 49-27 victory over bottom side Nenagh Ormond, which produced 12 tries. Clontarf ran out 17-3 winners when they met Cork Constitution on Leeside in November.

Young Munster have slipped to fifth place following their narrow 19-18 defeat by Cork Constitution at Temple Hill. They entertain UCD, who are second from bottom, at Tom Clifford Park. Both sides claimed a losing bonus point each last time out. UCD lost their last game 19-14 to Old Belvedere in a Dublin derby at Belfield. The Dublin Students claimed all points on offer when they met Young Munster in November as they ran out 34-12 home winners.

Bottom side Nenagh Ormond travel to County Down to take on Ballynahinch. The North Tipperary side claimed their second four-try bonus point of the campaign from their 49-27 home defeat by leaders Clontarf, as they scored five tries. Ballynahinch have moved up to seventh place, ahead of Old Belvedere on scoring differences, following their 34-13 bonus point home win over Lansdowne. The Ulster side returned with maximum points from their 24-3 victory over Nenagh Ormond in November’s corresponding fixture.

Highfield are fifth behind City of Armagh on scoring differences in Division 1B. They face a tricky task as they go head to head with second-placed Instonians at Woodleigh Park. The Leesiders returned with a losing bonus point from their narrow 19-17 defeat by Old Wesley in Dublin. Instonians recorded a maximum-point 29-22 home win over Queen’s University in a Belfast derby. Instonians recoded a narrow 17-15 home win when they met Highfield in Belfast, resulting in a losing bonus point for the Leesiders.

Sixth-placed Garryowen welcome City of Armagh, who are fourth, to Dooradoyle, with both sides going into the tie on the back of defeats. Garryowen were narrowly defeated 31-29 by Dublin University in the Capital. The Sky Blues returned with two bonus points, as they scored four tries. The Ulster side claimed a losing bonus point from their 24-17 defeat by Naas in County Kildare. The Limerick side ran out 29-15 winners in November’s corresponding fixture, to claim maximum points.

UCC, who are four points clear of the relegation places in seventh place, travel to Belfast to take on bottom side Queen’s University. UCC ran out 19-13 home winners over Blackrock College last time out. Queen’s University were defeated 29-22 by Belfast neighbours Instonians. Queen’s University claimed two bonus points, as they scored four tries. UCC claimed all points on offer as they defeated the Belfast Students 27-12 when these sides met at the Mardyke.

Shannon remain in third place in Division 2A and they welcome Greystones to Thomond Park, with both sides having lost their last games. Shannon returned from their 27-22 away defeat by Galway Corinthians with a losing bonus point. This game was moved to Creggs RFC in County Galway. Greystones were defeated 26-7 at home by Cashel. This result sees them slip to sixth place, five points adrift of the promotion play-off places. Shannon won November’s corresponding fixture 10-7, resulting in a losing bonus point for the County Wicklow side.

Cashel, who have climbed up to seventh place, welcome Ballymena, who have slipped to eighth, to the Premier County. Cashel claimed maximum points last time out, as they defeated Greystones 26-7 at the County Wicklow venue. Ballymena claimed a losing bonus point from their 19-12 home defeat by MU Barnahll. Ballymena claimed all points on offer as the defeated Cashel 29-23, when these sides met in County Antrim. The Tipperary side returned with a losing bonus point.

Old Crescent lock horns with Banbridge in a basement clash at Takumi Park. The Limerick side fell to their fifth straight defeat, losing 22-12 to Wanderers in Dublin, in a game that was played at St Michael’s College. Banbridge were defeated 24-21 by Dungannon in County Tyrone, but returned with a losing bonus point. Banbridge ran out 15-7 home winners when they met Old Crescent in County Down in November. This was also Banbridge’s only win of the campaign to date.

UL Bohemian, who remain third in Division 2B, travel to Galway to take on leaders Galwegians, with both sides having claimed maximum points from their last games. UL Bohemian go into the tie on the back of a 52-17 home win over Sligo. Galwegians scored four tries in their 22-14 away win over Enniscorthy. The Galway side ran out 43-21 bonus point winners when they met UL Bohemian in Limerick.

The game of the day in Division 2C is the meeting of table toppers Thomond and second-placed Clonmel at Liam Fitzgerald Park. This game also doubles up as the first semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Plate. Thomond were narrowly defeated 19-17 by Monkstown in Limerick last time out, but claimed a losing bonus point. The South Tipperary side claimed all points on offer from their 31-17 home win over Midleton. Clonmel recorded a narrow 24-22 home win over Thomond in November’s corresponding fixture. The winners of this game await Old Crescent or Bruff in the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Plate decider.

Dolphin, who are fifth, travel to the Capital to take on fourth-placed Bective Rangers at Energia Park. There are six points separating these sides. Bective Rangers have a game in hand. Both sides go into the tie on the back of maximum-point victories. Bective Rangers recorded a 37-14 victory over Belfast Harlequins at Enerigia Park, while Dolphin ran out 28-7 winners over Ballyclare at Virgin Media Park. Bective Rangers ran out 25-14 bonus point winners when they met Dolphin on Leeside.

Bruff, who have climbed up to sixth place, welcome Malahide, who are propping up the table, to Kilballyowen Park. Malahide also have a game in hand. The County Limerick side recorded a bonus point 38-28 away win over Belfast Harlequins, in a game which produced nine tries. Malahide were defeated 31-27 by Ballyclare at the County Antrim venue, but returned with two bonus points, as they scored four tries. Malahide ran out 21-15 home winners when they met Bruff in November, resulting in a losing bonus point for the County Limerick side.

Midleton, who fell to their seventh successive defeat as they lost 31-17 to Clonmel in South Tipperary, entertain Belfast Harlequins at Towns Park. Midleton are second from bottom on 19 points, while Belfast Harlequins are three points adrift of the relegation places. Belfast Harlequins were defeated 38-28 at home by Bruff, but claimed a bonus point, as they scored four tries. Belfast Harlequins recorded a narrow 24-22 victory when they met Midleton in November. The East Cork side claimed a losing bonus point.

In the Women’s All-Ireland League, defending champions and leaders UL Bohemian, who are unbeaten, are away to fifth-placed Galwegians. The Limerick side claimed maximum points last time out as they ran out 41-7 home winners over Wicklow. The Galway side recorded a narrow 15-10 win over Old Belvedere in Dublin. UL Bohemian ran out 36-24 home winners in November’s corresponding fixture. Galwegians returned with a bonus point as they scored four tries.

Ennis travel to Belfast to take on Cooke, with both sides going into the tie on the back of defeats. Ennis were defeated 38-12 by Blackrock College in the Banner County, while the Belfast side were heavily defeated 73-0 by Railway Union in Dublin. Ennis ran out 22-19 bonus point winners when these sides met at the Clare venue. Cooke returned with a losing bonus point.

Ballincollig entertain Old Belvedere at Tanner Park. Ballincollig defeated Tullow 19-5 to record their third win of the campaign in Fethard last time out. Old Belvedere claimed a losing bonus point from their narrow 15-10 defeat by Galwegians, which was played at Energia Park. Old Belvedere recorded a comprehensive 65-7 victory when they met Ballincollig in Dublin.

JUNIOR PREVIEW

The Men’s Munster Junior League continues with a full list of games across all Three Divisions.

Second-placed Clonakilty lock horns with near neighbours Skibbereen, who are hovering above the relegation places, at the Vale on Saturday evening. Clonakilty recorded a bonus point 32-27 away win over Muskerry. Skibbereen are now four points clear of the relegation zone following their maximum-point 45-34 home win over Thurles. where Skibbereen scored seven tries in a 12-try thriller.

On Sunday, unbeaten leaders Kilfeacle make the short trip to Tipperary Town to take on Clanwilliam in a local derby. Kilfeacle claimed all points on offer from their last game, where they ran out 30-14 home winners over Clonakilty. Clanwilliam are five points clear of the drop zone in tenth place and they lost their last game 24-8 at home to Richmond.

Third-placed Mallow welcome Old Christians to North Cork. Mallow go into the tie on the back of a 21-14 victory over Sunday’s Well at Virgin Media Park. Old Christians were narrowly defeated 34-32 by Kanturk in a nine-try thriller at Lansdowne. Old Christians claimed two bonus points as they scored four tries.

Sunday’s Well remain in fourth place and they travel to West Limerick to take on Newcastle West, who are ninth. Both sides go into the tie on the back of defeats where they claimed a losing bonus point each. Sunday’s Well were defeated 21-14 by Mallow at Virgin Media Park. Newcastle West were defeated 27-25 by St Mary’s at MultiFlow Park.

Fifth-placed Richmond, who are one point adrift of the top four, go head to head with Kanturk at Canal Bank. Both sides go into the tie on the back of bonus point wins. Richmond defeated Clanwilliam 24-8 in Tipperary Town. Kanturk recorded a narrow 34-32 win over Old Christians at Lansdowne as they scored five tries in a game that produced nine tries.

At the foot of the table, bottom side Muskerry host Bandon, who are seventh at Ellis Park. Muskerry were defeated 32-27 at home by Clonakilty. They claimed two bonus points as they scored four tries. Bandon go into the tie on the back of a 22-19 home win over Clanwilliam.

Thurles, who are now second from bottom, welcome St Mary’s to the Premier County. Thurles were defeated 47-34 by Skibbereen at the West Cork venue. They returned with a bonus point, as they scored five tries in a 12-try thriller. St Mary’s who are eighth, recorded a narrow 27-25 home win over Newcastle West.

Kinsale who are the new leaders in Division 2 travel to the Showgrounds to take on Fermoy, who are ten points clear of the drop zone in 11th place. Kinsale recorded a comprehensive maximum-point home win over Waterpark last time out, to claim pole position. Fermoy claimed all points on offer from their 31-14 home win over Fethard.

Crosshaven, who have slipped to second place, but are still unbeaten, make the relatively short trip to the Paddocks to take on Cobh Pirates. The Pirates are in mid-table following their bonus point 28-19 home win over Castleisland. Crosshaven, who have a game in hand, ran out 22-17 away winners over Charleville in their last game.

Third-placed Waterpark go head to head with near neighbours Carrick-on-Suir, who are sixth, at Ballinakill. Waterpark are nine points behind Crosshaven and they go into the tie on the back of a 46-7 defeat by Kinsale in South Cork. Carrick-on-Suir claimed maximum points from their last game, which they won 29-22 agaisnt Abbeyfeale at Tybroughney.

Youghal who are fourth, travel to the Banner County to take on Ennis, who are seventh. Youghal claimed a losing bonus point from their 24-17 home defeat by East Cork neighbours Cobh Pirates. The Clare side recorded a 21-13 home win over Castleisland in their last game.

Fifth-placed St Senan’s host second from bottom Fethard. St Senan’s defeated Youghal 46-37 in a ten-try thriller at Jimmy Slattery Park, to claim maximum points from their last game. Fethard go into the tie on the back of a 31-14 away defeat by Fermoy.

Charleville meet Ballincollig at Smith’s Road, with both sides having claimed a losing bonus point from their last games. Charleville were narrowly defeated 22-17 at home by Crosshaven, while Ballincollig go into the tie on the back of a 24-22 defeat by Waterpark on Suirside.

Castleisland, who are hovering above the drop zone, lock horns with bottom side Abbeyfeale at the Kerry venue. Castleisland lost their last game 21-13 agaisnt Ennis in the Banner County. The West Limerick side, who are still without a win, claimed their second losing bonus point of the campaign from their 29-22 defeat by Carrick-on-Suir at Tybroughney.

In Division 3, unbeaten leaders Killarney, who have already been promoted, make the short trip to Mid Kerry, to take on fourth-placed Killorglin in a Kingdom derby. Killarney claimed maximum points from their 57-19 home win over Corca Dhuibhne. Killorglin, who are battling for the second promotion spot with Tralee and Scariff, ran out 14-8 winners over Waterford City on Suirside.

Second-placed Tralee are away to Douglas, with both sides going into the tie on the back of narrow defeats where they claimed a losing bonus point each. Douglas were defeated 19-18 by Galbally-Mitchelstown in County Limerick. Tralee were defeated 25-21 by Dungarvan in West Waterford.

Scariff, who are third, make the long trip to West Cork to take on Bantry Bay. The West Cork side are still without a win but have three losing bonus points to their credit. Bantry Bay claimed their third losing bonus point from their last game, which they last 15-8 at home to Galbally-Mitchelstown. Scariff claimed maximum points from their 24-19 home win over Dungarvan.

Corca Dhuibhne welcome Galbally-Mitchelstown to the West Kerry Gaeltacht. Corca Dhuibhne go into the tie on the back of a 57-19 away defeat by Killarney. Galbally-Mitchelstown ran out narrow 19-18 home winners over Douglas.

It is also derby day in Waterford as Waterford City host Dungarvan at Kilbarry. Both sides claimed a losing bonus point from each of their last games. Waterford City were defeated 14-8 at home by Killorglin, while Dungarvan lost 24-19 to Scariff in East Clare.

The Munster Senior Clubs’ League final is down for decision on Sunday as Garryowen and Highfield go head to head at Dooradoyle.

The semi-finals of the Limerick Charity Plate are also down for decision.

Young Munster host Bruff at Tom Clifford Park and the winners will meet UL Bohemian or Thomond, who go head to head at Annacotty, in the decider.

The Munster Women’s League continues, with two games down for decision in Division 2.

Thurles, who are second, travel to Skibbereen to take on bottom side Roaring Water Bay, who are still on zero points. Thurles defeated leaders Mallow 29-6 in the Premier County last time out.This result ended Mallow’s unbeaten run and leaves Thurles three points behind the North Cork side. Roaring Water Bay were defeated 41-5 by Mallow in their last game in Bantry.

UL Bohemian, who are third, take on fourth-placed Ballincollig at Annacotty. Ballincollig were defeated 53-0 at home by Thurles in their last game. The Limerick side’s last game was November’s 61-24 win over Ballincollig at Tanner Park, which produced 13 tries. Ballincollig scored four tries to claim a bonus point.