THE Ulster Bank League is back this weekend and that means two things. One is that Limerick rugby fans will be happy once more and the second is, that Ross O’Donoghue returns to preview all of the action.
Division 1A
Young Munster v St. Mary’s College
FIVE wins on the trot made Young Munster the Christmas Number 1 in the Ulster Bank League. The Cookies may be the leading Limerick club by some distance, but they’ll find the likes of Clontarf much harder to shake. They have a 4 point cushion at the minute, but the break may have dented their momentum and St. Mary’s will target a beatable line out.
Verdict: They’ll have to lose sometime – just not this weekend.
Blackrock v Shannon
Seventh placed Shannon always enjoyed making life difficult for themselves, but they just can’t get away with it anymore. Lansdowne showed that in December when they gratefully accepted soft tries and denied Shannon a losing BP at home. A low-key approach to the Charity Cup Final showed that ambitions are realistic in Coonagh (they lost) but they should have nothing to fear here. Blackrock are rock bottom.
Verdict: If not now, when for Keogh & Co?
Lansdowne v Garryowen
Garryowen will be pleased with their 5th place in Division 1A. Point scoring is down on previous seasons but a massive defensive effort is reaping rewards. It’s an improvement on a poor 2011 and it’s all been achieved without a home win to date. The ‘Away Assassins’ head for Lansdowne Road but Mike Ruddock’s side are ready and waiting after a productive Christmas break.
Verdict: 1 score margin for Lansdowne.
Division 1B
Dungannon v Bruff
Bruff sit 9th in a 10 team league, so festive cheer may have been hard to come by over the holidays. Division 1B is known affectionately known as ‘The Ulster League’ around Kilballyowen and that isn’t surprising – almost half of their away trips are to Red Handed Counties. The bus is headed for Tyrone this weekend, but they’ll take confidence from a home win over Belfast Harlequins before the break.
Verdict: January blues for Bruff.
Galwegians v UL Bohemians
UL Bohemians continue to work hard for little reward. They kept sharp over the break with a New Year’s Eve defeat to Young Munster but losing 14-3 is hardly a morale booster. A stirring comeback almost stole them a win at UCD in their last league outing but Colm Tucker’s charges remain in 6th. It’s a congested mid-table in Division 1B so they could rise or fall two places on this result.
Verdict: Bohs could profit if ‘Wegians are rusty.
