ROSS O’Donoghue previews this weekends action in the Ulster Bank League, starting with this weekend’s big local derby, Shannon versus Garryowen.
Division 1A
Shannon v Garryowen
Garryowen are safe. They are an athletic side and love to make the big hits, though they struggle at times for possession in the ‘Green Zone’. Six wins from 12 games means 6th position and 13 points clear of danger. Shannon though are far from safety. Steven Keogh’s side lie third from bottom, but the fixture list provides hope. Of the five games left, three are at home and just one opponent is in the top half of the table. Not that league position matters much when these teams go head to head.
Verdict: Garryowen’s counter attack to find the gaps.
Old Belvedere v Young Munster
Young Munster are 3rd in Division 1A with fixtures against the top two still to come. So the mission is simple – win all five remaining games and they’ll probably win the league. Simple, but a very big ask. Old Belvedere are next. They’re without a win and without coach Phil Werahiko after their abysmal run of form.
Verdict: A 5 pointer would be handy but that kind of talk is dangerous
Division 1B
Ballymena v UL Bohemians
UL Bohs are in 5th position in Division 1A as the season enters the final third. Bruff took a chunk out their promotion hopes under ‘Friday Night Lights’ leaving the Robins eight points adrift of the play-off spot. Ballymena currently occupy that spot, so its now or never if Colm Tucker wants top tier rugby next season. The Ulster men’s win rate at home is just 50%.
Verdict: Ballymena to want it more.
Bruff v Ballynahinch
Bruff are in a dogfight to the finish. They’re a point clear of Galwegians and the relegation play-off spot but have played a game more than the Connacht men. They face a tough run in but they showed in the Limerick derby they have the chops for a fight. Bruff are low on line out options while ‘Hinch are decent operators out of touch.
Verdict: ‘Hinch by an inch.
Division 2A
Malone v Thomond
Squeaky bum time for the Sodacakes. Three wins all season means Thomond are just a point above the drop zone with four games left to play. Declan Cusack is into his 2nd season with Garryowen but his absence in Woodview is still felt – Thomond’s scoring average is just 10 points per game. Malone is the toughest of their remaining fixtures.
Verdict: Home Malone to have the edge in Belfast.
Old Crescent v Terenure
‘Sloop John B‘ is the victory song in Rosbrien and it’s had a couple of airings lately. Successive wins have Old Crescent up to 11th position with 10 points of breathing space to play with. Their big pack is being used to effect while Tom Cregan’s game management is a big asset to the back line. 2 wins from 4 remaining games will guarantee safety.
Verdict: OC will be OK.
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