THE Ulster Bank League returns to the pitches this weekend. Once more the Limerick teams are in action and once more, the games are as hard to predict as ever. Getting our excuses in early here. Where better to start than in Division 1A?
Saturday October 27
Ulster Bank League
Division 1A
Clontarf v UL Bohemians, Clontarf 2.30pm
UL Bohemians appear to be the form team at present, in cup competitions anyway. The Robins have won the charity cup and last weekend they qualified for the final of the senior cup as well. The Annacotty side are 1-1 in the AIL this season. Opponents Clontarf are looking for their first win of the season too. Like most weeks, Munster’s selection will affect UL Bohs chances.
Verdict: Robins to ‘bop’ to 2 and 1
Cork Con v Young Munster, Temple Hill 2.30pm
Young Munster’s unbeaten league record will be on the line this weekend at Temple Hill. The Greenfields side are 2-0 with an impressive 52 points scored in their two games. Cork Con have been hot and cold this season so far. Munster’s selection will affect the Cork team more.
Verdict: Munster’s to win at the ‘Hill’
Garryowen v Old Belvedere, Dooradoyle 2.30pm
Tom Tierney’s unbeaten Garryowen will take on Andy Dunne’s Old Belvedere this weekend in what promises to be a great game of rugby. The light blues are third at present and all signs point to another home win.
Verdict: Garryowen to win by a kick
Shannon v Dolphin, Coonagh 2.30pm
Conceding 84 points and scoring only 10 means that the table is not a pretty sight for Shannon RFC. Stephen Keogh’s side will be looking for win number one this weekend and hopefully injuries to key players will not hinder them too much in that quest.
Verdict: Dolphin to enjoy time in Shannon
Division 1B
Malone v Bruff, Belfast 2.30pm
Bruff will have to get find a way of winning in the North this season. They are going up there five times. It won’t be starting this weekend if the opening rounds have given any indication of Malone’s prowess.
Verdict: Malone to make Bruff journey a longer one.
Division 2A
Old Crescent v UCC, Rosbrien 2.30pm
This will be one of the more open games this weekend. UCC are big and youthful, as are Old Crescent. The styles will be similar, the result will be close too.
Verdict: Old Crescent to nip it by one
Division 2B
Instonians v Thomond, Belfast 2.30pm
Again, this will be a tight encounter. Thomond have lost both openers, but improvements have been seen in recent weeks. Instonians are middle table too and there for the taking.
Verdict: Thomond to get a point, at least.
