Weekend Ulster Bank League Preview

With two series of games to go in the First Division of the Ulster Bank League, it is a big weekend for several Munster clubs battling for a semi final place or avoiding relegation.

In Division 1A leaders Old Belvedere are away to bottom side Garryowen. This is a game that the Light Blues must get something from or depending on results elsewhere they could end up in a relegation play off. Such is the form of the Dublin side it is difficult to see anything other than a win for the visitors.

Cork Constitution in second place on points difference are away to St. Mary’s College the side just below them in the table. However with a five point gap Con’ can secure a home semi final tie if they can extend that margin.

Shannon three points above bottom side Garryowen are away to Blackrock College a side just four points ahead of them in the table. Both these sides have been very inconsistent all season and this is a game that could go either way.

The other game in this Division is on Sunday when Dolphin host Young Munster. The Cork side are not clear of the relegation play off spot yet and will have their work cut out against a Munster’s side that are still battling for a semi final spot.

In Division 1B U.L. Bohemian face a difficult trip to Clontarf as they aim to finish in third place and a play off place. The Dublin side only need a point from their two remaining games to top the section and a semi final place.

At the other end of the table U.C.C. play Galwegians and a win will secure College their place in this Division next season.

Bruff who have slipped down the table face a daunting task at home to Lansdowne. The home side are hoping to get John Hayes cleared to play in this tie but the rules may prevent this from happening. Either way this is a game that Bruff must win if they are to hold on to their Division 1B status.

In Division Two the main focus is on the relegation battle. Bottom side Thomond are at home to table toppers U.C.D. and on current form it is difficult to see the Limerick side from ending the students twelve match unbeaten run.

Old Crescent a point above them are away to second placed Ballynahinch and likewise it is difficult to see them returning home with anything from this tie.

Clonakilty still not clear of relegation are at home to Midleton in a Cork derby. The visitors chances of promotion have slipped away in recent weeks and while a win would still keep them in the hunt depending on other results.

Sunday’s Well are at home to Rainey Old Boys in Division Three and can move above them with a win but a promotion play off spot seems unlikely.

Nenagh Ormond are away to bottom side Connemara and will be looking to pick up maximum points from this encounter.

Highfield’s game away to Banbridge has been put back to April 9th due to the road to the ground being closed off because of a military funeral.

FIXTURES:
SATURDAY 26th MARCH
All Ireland League Division 1A: Blackrock College v Shannon, Stradbrook, 2.30;
Garryowen v Old Belvedere, Dooradoyle, 2.30;
St. Mary's College v Cork Constitution, Templeville Road, 2.30;

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

Division 2: Ballymena v Belfast Harlequins, Eaton Park, 2.30;
Ballynahinch v Old Crescent, Ballymacarn Park, 2.30;
Bective Rangers v Corinthians, Donnybrook, 5.00;
Clonakilty v Midleton, The Vale, 2.30;
D.L.S.P. v Dublin University, Kirwan Park, 2.30;
Queens University v Malone, Dub Lane, 2.30;
Terenure College v Old Wesley, Lakelands Park, 2.30;
Thomond v U.C.D., Fitzgerald Park, 2.30;

Division 3: Banbridge v Highfield, Rifle Park, 2.30; OFF
NUIM Barnhall v Ards, Parsonstown, 2.30;
City of Derry v Instonians, Judges Road, 2.30;
Connemara v Nenagh Ormond, Monastery Field, 2.30;
Greystones v Naas, Dr Hickey Park, 2.30;
Navan v Seapoint, Balreask, 2.30;
Sunday's Well v Rainey Old Boys, Musgrave Park, 2.30;
Suttonians v Wanderers, Station Road, 2.30;

SUNDAY 27th MARCH
All Ireland League Division 1A: Dolphin v Young Munster, Musgrave Park, 2.30;