HomeSportUlster Bank League Weekend Previews 29/9

Ulster Bank League Weekend Previews 29/9

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THE ULSTER Bank League returns this weekend with three of Limerick’s Division 1A sides in action on Friday night. Once more the Limerick Post will preview all rounds of the season, so there is no point waiting around. Here we go. . .

Friday 21st September                                                                                          
Ulster Bank League Division 1A:
Garryowen v Dolphin, Dooradoyle, 7.30;
Garryowen are being coached this season by two famous former blues. Tom Tierney takes over from Paul Cunningham as head coach, while Paul Neville will coach the forwards. The Dooradoyle side have been boosted by the signings of Connacht players TJ Anderson and Matt Jarvis. The availability of their Munster contracted and academy players will, like all teams, have a huge bearing on their season. With Dolphin first up at home, Tierney will be going all out for the win.
Game Verdict: Garryowen to win.
Season Prediction: Mid Table will be success

Shannon v Young Munster, Thomond Park, 7.30;
The first weekend sees the first Limerick derby. Shannon will host Young Munster at Thomond Park in what will be an early indication of where these teams will be this season. Shannon, under the stewardship of Stephen Keogh have a young squad of talented players. Tadhg Bennett and Duncan Casey are the captains of the side, while coach Keogh will continue to play.
Young Munster have once more recruited heavily in the off season. The pick of which is former Shannon outhalf Gareth Quinn-McDonagh. The ‘Cookies’ will be favourites to top the mini Limerick league this season.
Game Verdict: Young Munster’s squad depth to win out
Season Verdict: Shannon to battle relegation. Young Munster’s to battle for the title.

Saturday 22nd September                                                                                  
Ulster Bank League Division 1A:              
St. Mary’s v U.L. Bohemian, Templeville Road, 2.30;
Colm Tucker’s UL Bohs achieved promotion last season by winning Division 1B on the final day. Like the aforementioned Garryowen, UL Bohs’ access to their Munster players will have a huge effect on their results. The other squad members are not to be underestimated however. Ben Martin, Mossy Lawlor, Martin Mc Phail and Niall Kenneally will grace their backline  which should it get enough ball, will trouble any team.
Game Verdict: Away to the champions is not easy. Mary’s  to win.
Season Verdict: Could surprise a few, but mid table will do.

Division 1B:
Bruff v Ballymena, Kilballyowen Park, 2.30;
Bruff might just face more issues in terms of logistics this season that anything on the field. Five trips to the north and a few to Dublin will rack up mileage, but Bruff, under the guidance of Mike Lynch once more, will hold their own in this division.
Game Verdict: Home win on week one as home wins will keep them in the Division.
Season Verdict: Bruff will hold onto their 1B status.

Division 2A:
Old Crescent v Queens University, Rosbrien, 2.30;
Ger Casey’s Old Crescent side could very well be a surprise packet in 2A. The former Monivea coach will have his charges ready to go this weekend with a hard, physical game of rugby. Aidan Mc Nulty will be their outhalf, so keep an eye out there for good line breaks and some exciting back play.
Game Verdict: Crescent to open with a win.
Season Verdict: Pushing for Promotion.

Division 2B:
Sunday’s Well v Thomond, Musgrave Park, 2.30;
Thomond have recruited well on and off the field. The City side will again be coached by Mick Grimes, while being assisted by coaches Kevin Long, Noel O’Meara and Fiach O’Loughlin.
Game Verdict: Tough one first up. Well to win
Season Verdict: Stability is key for Thomond. They should consolidate in this division.

‘Best of luck to all teams from the Limerick Post Newspaper’

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