HomeSportUlster Bank League Weekend Previews 1/12/12

Ulster Bank League Weekend Previews 1/12/12

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THE ULSTER Bank League enters its winter break this weekend for Divisons 1A and 1B. (2A and 2B have a round of fixtures on Saturday December 8)
With a long break coming up, the Limerick sides in action will be looking to go into hibernation on a good note.

The Munster based Irish internationals will return this weekend to Rob Penney and co. so expect to see the academy and those not required against Glasgow to get a run this weekend with their clubs. This will make predicting this weekend’s results even harder. With four Limerick teams at home this Saturday 1 afternoon, rugby followers are spoiled for choice.

Saturday December 1
Ulster Bank League Division 1A:
Cork Con v Shannon,
Temple Hill, 2.30;
SHANNON have been improving in recent weeks. The table still does not read well for the Parish club, but there are signs of a tightening defence and more solid set piece. The Shannon boys will travel to Cork this weekend to take on newly crowned Munster Senior Cup champions Cork Con. The Cork side will once more be able to call upon their inter provincial players, so this weekend might be another bridge too far for Shannon.
Verdict: Con’s strength and depth to claim a tight win.

Garryowen v St Mary’s,
Dooradoyle, 2.30;
SECOND placed Garryowen are creating a bit of a gap (6 points) between themselves and Old Belvo in third. The light blues have been really impressive this season so far. With one game to go before the break, a home win for Garryowen over eight placed St Mary’s will go a long way to staying in the title hunt with Lansdowne.
Verdict: Garryowen could well go top with a win.

UL Bohemians v Dolphin,
Annacotty, 2.30;
IT will be difficult for Colm Tucker to pick his charges up off of the floor after last Friday 23 night’s Munster Senior Cup final heartbreak. With seconds to go, UL Bohs were defeated by a Cork Con try. With Dolphin coming to town, Bohs will have to park the Cup final defeat and concentrate on moving away from second last. Once more Rob Penney’s biro could have more of a say in this game than rugby itelf, with both sides able to field better teams with their Munster stars.
Verdict: Bohs to sneak a hard fought win.

Young Munster v Lansdowne,
Greenfields, 2.30;
INCONSISTENCY has been the problem for Young Munster this season. With three wins from six, Mike Prendergast will know that they do not come any bigger than this week. Mike Ruddock will bring table topping Lansdowne to Greenfields this weekend and an epic battle is guaranteed. Should Munster’s claim this one, they could be right back in the chase for the title.
Verdict: Lansdowne to topple off top spot.

Division 1B:
Ballynahinch v Bruff,
Ballynahinch, 2.30;
BALLYnahinch sit atop the Division 1B table at present. The northern side has one 6 from 6 and there are no signs really that this weekend is not going to be 7 from 7. Bruff however have a habit of turning teams over when they least expect it. The proud cup rugby tradition of Bruff in recent seasons could well be a factor here.
Verdict: Can’t see past Ballynahinch, but hope floats.

Division 2A:
Old Crescent v Banbridge,
Rosbrien, 2.00;
JUST like Bruff, Old Crescent take on unbeatean and table topping Banbridge this weekend. The Crescent side are in 13th spot with only one win from 5 games. As mentioned, Old Crescent have two games left before Christmas so this weekend could well be crucial should they get something from it.
Verdict: Banbridge to knock Crescent for their sixth win.

Division 2B:
Thomond v Boyne,
Fitzgerald Park, 2.30;
WIN-less Thomond take on third placed Boyne this weekend. The Limerick lads will be confident that home advantage can help them to at least a losing bonus, but with games flying by, Thomond just need that one win to get things going.
Verdict: Thomond to win just battle with Boyne.

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