ROSS O’Donoghue is back this week to preview all the weekend’s action in the Ulster Bank League
Division 1A
Clontarf v Shannon
With the Charity Cup Final being postponed till 2012, Shannon will be at full strength for their toughest test to date. Clontarf are 7/4 favourites for the league and unbeaten at home this season. But the Dubliners’ discipline is a problem of late and if Tadhg Bennett can capitalize from the tee, Shannon could get a foothold. A win would put the Limerick men into 2nd, but this is a tough fixture.
Verdict: Clontarf’s Cork contingent to keep them comfy.
Dolphin v Garryowen
The weaker team in Cork hosts the weakest team in Limerick. Garryowen’s league mission is to finish in the top half of the table for the first time in 3 seasons. Dolphin’s goal will be similar. A penalty try aside, all of the Corkmen’s tries have come from Backs. Garryowen’s defense in broken play is strong and their away record could stand to them but Dolphin will be desperate to get back on track.
Verdict: Garryowen to bash & carry at Musgrave.
Young Munster v Lansdowne
Young Munster are in the right place, but is it the wrong time? Over two thirds of this campaign remains, though they won’t lack belief they can top the table until the end of April. An away win over Garryowen put them out in front and a home win on Saturday will keep them there. Lansdowne are top scorers in the division but this is their first trip outside of Dublin.
Verdict: Lansdowne to leave town with nothing.
Division 1A
UL Bohemians v Ballymena
The season break suited Colm Tucker Jnr. His side lies 4th in Division 1B and the 3 week hiatus was a chance for real progress to be made on the training pitch. It’s been a mixed start for the new Senior Coach and this fixture could prove a turning point. Victory or defeat could be the difference between 3rd & 7th place. Ballymena reached an Ulster Senior Final during the break and pose a major threat.
Verdict: UL Bohs by a nose.
Ballynahinch v Bruff
Bruff are struggling. One win from 5 games leaves the County men 3rd from bottom. They’ve been conceding first and conceding often and now they face the top scorers in the division. There are 4 Ulster teams in this division and Ballynahinch look most capable. ‘Hinch are 2nd placed and firmly focused on promotion. A win here could reinvigorate Peter Malone’s side but it would take a major turnaround in fortunes to do it.
Verdict: Bonus point the best that Bruff could hope for.
Division 2A
Bective v Thomond
The Ex-Ireland coaching ticket of Reggie Corrigan & Niall Woods masterminded Greystones’ defeat of Thomond in round 5. The forwards did their best to ‘drive them over the back wall’ but serious errors in distribution let down Thomond’s offensive effort. Bective are the Leinster challenge this weekend and Mike Grimes will have to cope with a high intensity brand of rugby. Thomond can’t afford to leave any opportunities behind them.
Verdict: Bective to overtake Thomond in Div 2a
Old Crescent v Malone
Old Crescent have come unstuck in recent games. They went 3 games unbeaten before defeats to Seapoint & Dublin University and it’s time to stop the rot. There are just 2 league games left before the New Year and this Saturday represents their best chance of moving up the table. A win over 5th placed Malone could see them join the Belfast boys on 15 points in Division 2A. That was more than their entire total for last season.
Verdict: Crescent to come full circle. Home win.
