IT IS Round 4 this weekend in the Ulster Bank All Ireland league and teams are once more looking to set some early season form. This weekend is the second weekend in a block of four, so squad depth and strength are really going to be tested. Where better to start than Friday 2 night’s lights and the meeting of UL Bohemians and Garryowen.
Friday November 2nd
Ulster Bank League Division 1A:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
U.L. Bohemian v Garryowen, Thomond Park, 7.30;
UL Bohemians learned last weekend that discipline and defence may be the staple diet of survival. The 35-10 loss will not be acceptable to Colm Tucker, who has build his side around the above core values. This weekend the Robins will look to bounce back against an unbeaten Garryowen side. Tom Tierney’s men haved scored 76 points and conceded only 31 in their three games. The light blues will be hoping that Munster do not come looking for Barry O’Mahony to play Cardiff this weekend. The back row forward was the star of the show last weekend, scoring three tries in their win over Old Belvedere.
Verdict: Hurray for Garryowen to be heard in TP
Saturday November 3rd                                                                                              Â
Ulster Bank League Division 1A:
Old Belvedere v Shannon, Anglesea Road, 2.30;
IT gives no joy to have to this writer to have to preview a Shannon loss every week. The first three games of the season have come with 115 points being conceded. Stephen Keogh’s men travel to Old Belvedere this weekend in what is going to be another long afternoon for the Black and Blues. However, this is the meeting of the bottom two, so Shannon might just have a better day out this weekend.
Verdict: Casey to lead Shannon to a vital win.
Young Munster v Clontarf, Clifford Park, 2.30;
THIRD plays sixth in this tie. Young Munster will be disappointed with their performance in Cork Con last weekend. The Greenfields side will be looking to get back to winning ways as they entertain Clontarf. Looking at this one on paper, both sides will be close. Then again, rugby isn’t played on paper.
Verdict: Young Munster to climb up the table with win
Division 1B:
Bruff v Dublin University, Kilballyowen Park, 2.30;
SEVENTH placed Bruff take on second placed Dublin U this weekend in Division 1B. Bruff lost heavily to Malone last weekend, but that is something everyone is going to do this year it seems. Home wins will be vital for Bruff. This weekend gives them a chance to put some light between themselves and the bottom three.
Verdict: Bruff to sneak this one
Division 2A:
Midleton v Old Crescent, Towns Park, 2.30;
ONE would think that a 16 team league would be a tough one to call, but already there are some sides in 2A who look to be motoring better than others. Ger Casey’s Old Crescent have been inconsistent this season so far. Both sides in this tie have 5 points from their opening three games. This weekend it seems will once more separate the men from the boys.
Verdict: Crescent to get a win
Division 2B:
Thomond v Skerries, Fitzgerlad Park, 2.30;
THOMOND are yet to record a win this season. The three losses have come with two losing bonus points, so all it not lost just yet. The new coaching ticket will be looking for a home win this weekend against an average Skerries side.
Like Bruff above, home advantage is worth several points to Thomond, let’s hope the Blues can kick start their season this weekend.
Verdict: Thomond to get a win at last.
