Ross O Donoghue Previews this weekends Ulster Bank AIL Action
Division 1A
Garryowen v Shannon
Garryowen are yet to win any Limerick derbies this season and know another defeat will keep them mired in a relegation battle. In Conor Murray and Declan Cusack, they boast the best half back club pairing in Munster but will it be enough? Shannon’s record under Friday night lights is 100% and their mission to become greater than the sum of their parts continues. Verdict: Shannon to win.
St. Mary’s v Young Munster
An optimistic Young Munster know victory this weekend could see them leapfrog St. Mary’s into 3rd place. A realistic Young Munster know St. Mary’s have averaged 40 points a game against Limerick sides at Templeville Road this season. The Cookies dug out a home win over their Dublin counterparts in October but are unlikely to repeat the feat here. Verdict: St. Mary’s to win.
Division 1B
UL Bohemians v Dungannon
UL Bohemians have already recorded a win away to Dungannon but their home form gives them little cause for comfort this Saturday. 3 defeats on home turf leave Bohs third from bottom. Hanrahan, O’Donnell, Kilcoyne and Foley all look comfortable in the Munster ‘A’ jersey but will need to lend from to the club cause if their season is to have a cause. Verdict: UL Bohs to win.
Buccaneers v Bruff
Rugby is a tough sport but any nosebleeds suffered in Kilballyowen are more likely caused by the height of Bruff’s success. Their only defeats in Division 1B to date have come from the top 3 sides. Buccaneers fall into that category and will certainly focus the mind after Bruff’s latest cup success.
Verdict: Buccaneers to win.
Division 2
Midleton v Old Crescent
15 points separate these sides and it’s the Limerick men who have the ground to make up. A losing BP would be an acceptable reward from the trip to cork. Verdict: Midleton to win.
Old Wesley v Thomond
This Saturday represents Thomond’s best chance of a win in Dublin this season. If the Limerick men adopt a cup final attitude, they could just sneak it. Verdict: Thomond to win.
