ROSS O’Donoghue is back again this week to give us his previews of the Ulster Bank League games this weekend. Here’s hoping for a full set of Limerick wins.
Division 1A
Shannon v St. Mary’s
Shannon’s best start to the season in 3 years. Last weekend’s win over Cork Constitution was a massive boost to confidence, and a first at Temple Hill in 13 attempts. Set piece solidity is proving its worth and will come in handy this weekend too. The lowlight of last season was a 53-0 drubbing at St.Mary’s. but Shannon are always at their best with momentum on their side.
Verdict: Shannon’s form and front row to do it.
Garryowen v Clontarf
If only Ireland played like Garryowen last weekend. The light blues kicked their penalties in the first half and waited till the 2nd half to gun for the try line. New signings Vaipulu and Lawlor have slotted right in too. Clontarf are the only Dublin side in the top half of the table and must not be underestimated.
Verdict: Garryowen to remain consistent – by being completely unpredictable. Win for Clontarf.
Blackrock v Young Munster
Last week, Young Munster lost out by a kick to an impressive Clontarf side. This week’s opponents beat them twice last season by an aggregate of 3 points. But the Cookies took on championship winning form when they figured out how to win tight games in 2010/2011. So if Blackrock lose out this Saturday, Mike Prendergast & John Broderick will be hoping it leads to a serious run of form.
Verdict: Young Munster owe them 1. So they’ll get 4.
Division 1B
Bruff v Ballymena
A John Shine inspired performance led Bruff to their opening win of the season against Galwegians last time out. They face a Ballymena side with a similar ranking in the Division 1B table. One to watch out for is their South African import Richard Aingworth. The centre is in try scoring form, despite only 2 weeks of life on Irish soil. Verdict: Bruff to Shine on. Win.
UCC v UL Bohemians
Last week’s 12-5 win over Dungannon will calm old heads and new faces in Annacotty. Their front row brought the fight last Saturday, but after 2 try-less performances, maybe its time for some backs to show what they can do. UCC are invariably slow starters to the season but have plenty of raw talent within their ranks. Verdict: UCC are due a win. It could happen here.
Division 2A
Thomond v Instonians
After only 3 top half finishes from 11 attempts in Division 2, 14th place won’t scare Thomond just yet. Last year, they were beaten 48-10 by Old Wesley and branded ‘game but limited’ by the Dubs. Last week they drew 9-9. They have a real shot at building on the result this Saturday. Instonian’s are yet to adapt to life in the 3rd tier and have been crippled by their penalty count. Verdict: If Thomond keep their heads, the win is theirs.
City of Derry v Old Crescent
Old Crescent are unbeaten and full value for it. Their scrum is a major weapon with Eugene McGovern looking like the form prop in the division. They came from behind to beat Midleton at the weekend and bad luck denied them a win in round 1. They make the long trip to a Derry side with plenty of pedigree but little experience of Division 2. Verdict: Derry an unknown factor. Anyone’s guess.
