IT’S getting near Christmas, so the Ulster Bank League is really taking shape. Ross O’Donoghue is here again this week with the previews.
Cork Constitution v Young Munster
Young Munster lead the way in the UBL with their winning mix of ‘Fire in the belly and ice in the mind.’ Out half Willie Staunton continues to improve – His kick ratio would too if he stopped trying to score from his own half. After a shaky start, Cork Con are right back in the hunt for the Division 1A title. This will be quite the battle.
Verdict: Iron Constitution to edge this one.
Garryowen v Blackrock College
The Garryowen conundrum continues. Brilliant on the road – Winless at home. They snatched 4 more away points at Dolphin on Saturday to creep up to 5th. If they are to gain victory in Dooradoyle, then this Sunday must be seen as a major opportunity. Blackrock are beatable. Eric Miller’s men lie bottom of the table and their defense is porous.
Verdict: Surely this time Garryowen at home. Surely?
Shannon v Lansdowne
Shannon dropped to 6th after their winless streak stretched to 3 last week. In better news, the secret is out about Luke O’Dea – Munster’s newest cap is Shannon’s player of the season so far. Shannon’s work rate has also improved under Stephen Keogh. The newly promoted teams have had a big impact on this division and Mike Ruddock’s Lansdowne are a formidable opponent.
Verdict: Dubliners to find ‘The Isle’ not so bonnie…
Division 1B
Bruff v Belfast Harlequins
There’s no doubt that Bruff are working their socks off. But right now, they are being overworked defensively and are offering gaps instead of exploiting them. Quin’s livewire scrum half Michael Heaney has an eye for such gaps, but Bruff will have to focus on their own game on Saturday. Go forward ball essential to give the likes of Brendan Deady the chance to attack.
Verdict: Bruff to rough up ‘Quins.
UCD v UL Bohemians
UL Bohemians are losing ground in Division 1B. They can’t improve on a 15 point scoring average and conceded 3 tries in 7 minutes as Ballymena punished errors last week. JJ Hanrahan could face up to 6 of his fellow Irish U-20 internationals in Dublin on Saturday – UCD are typically youthful, but they are also prone to being bullied up front.
Verdict: UL Bohs have the right strengths to nab an away win.
DIVISION 2A
Queens University v Old Crescent
Last week Old Crescent showed that they are better than last season, not just luckier. They scored 20 unanswered points to come from behind and secure 9th place with a 20-19 win over Malone at Rosbrien. Next time maybe they’ll choose to play down hill and with the wind in the first half. Queens will want to stay in the promotion hunt with a home win. Verdict: Queens to wear the crown this time.
Thomond v Terenure College
This is a tough division. You have no right to win your home games and the bus trip for some away games is an adventure in itself. So Thomond will get over their heavy loss to Bective last week – only if they send Terenure back to Dublin with their tails between their legs. With a game break till 2012, they have no excuse not to empty the tank. Verdict: A bruiser. Thomond need this one.
