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.
Young Munster v Shannon
Now we’re talking…. The first Limerick derby in a season with no playoffs – the table toppers take home the trophy and either side can remain in contention with a win this Saturday. Shannon are cohesive, with good line integrity and set pieces that regularly help get points on the board. Young Munster have improved behind the scrum this season and are well stocked in key positions.
Last year almost 4,000 came to see this derby at Thomond Park, but Paul O’Connell’s return to action was the big draw. This time around the crowd will have more quality than quantity, but they’ll certainly get their money’s worth. Verdict: Drop goals could decide it. Home advantage to count for Young Munster.
Cork Constitution v Garryowen
These rugby heavyweights have drawn their last three meetings and all the evidence suggests there will be little to separate them this Saturday. Cons’ fortunes have been mixed of late but are always strong on their own patch. Garryowen reopen their league campaign after victory over Bruff in the Munster Senior Cup Final. They coped without playmaker Declan Cusack in that match – Temple Hill is another matter. Verdict: Cork Con to kick on.
UL Bohemians v Buccaneers
UL Bohemians are back on form and back in the hunt in Division 1B. They face an unbeaten Buccaneers side this weekend but are two for two coming into the game with a solid defensive record. Kilcoyne and Foley are the form players up front while their half back pairing is continuing to gel. Buccanneers are a hard running side with former Shannon starlet Eoghan Grace among their ranks.
Verdict: UL Bohs to put Pirates to the sword.
UCD v Bruff
Player Coach Peter Malone is getting plenty of things right now that he has the hotseat to himself – Bruff’s 28 point haul in Round 3 was their best scoreboard in 22 League outings. But they lost the game to Ballymena – Kilballyowen isn’t proving the Citadel the Limerick men were hoping for in Division 1B. UCD’s gym bunnies will relish the prospect. Verdict: The Students to teach Bruff a thing or two.
Clonakilty v Thomond
It’s the time of year for mauling and Thomond are making it count in Division 2A. They toughed out a 19-9 win over Instonians in round 2 and now enjoy 8th position heading into second quarter of the campaign. Scrumtime is also much improved. Clonakilty are rock bottom in the division and ‘there for the taking’. Verdict: No nonsense Thomond to keep the maul rolling.
Old Crescent v Seapoint
The art of winning has been preferred to the art of rugby in Rosbrien. And it’s working. Fourth placed Old Cresent are gaining respect in this division for their mean defense and disruptive gameplan. Seapoint don’t tend to travel well but they’re a brave side with a solid work ethic. Verdict: Old Crescent to sea-4-points
