IT’s Friday night lights this weekend in the Ulster Bank League. The big game under the spotlight is the Division 1A game between Limerick giants, Garryowen and Shannon. The crowd is expected to be big, so make sure to leave plenty of time to see this crucial fixture. With Division 2A not back until the 28th of January, the action once more centres on the top two tiers. Ross O’Donoghue is here to preview this weekend’s action.
Division 1A
Garryowen v Shannon
Garryowen broke the habit of a season in losing away to Lansdowne last week. They’ll dearly hope they can break another habit by finally winning in Dooradoyle under lights this Friday. Shannon thought they’d turned a corner in their battle with injuries prior to kick off in Blackrock for Round 8. The early loss of Paddy Butler changed that and crippled Shannon’s chances of a crucial away win. Garryowen could rise to 4th, while defeat for Stephen Keogh’s side could spell the beginning of a relegation dogfight. As if there wasn’t enough at stake in this heavyweight Limerick derby. Verdict: Shannon by a kick of a ball.
Dolphin v Young Munster
Young Munster dropped to 2nd when St.Mary’s left Greenfields with 5 points and nothing to offer their hosts. Beaten out the gate 11-36. So should we write them off? Not a hope. They’ll learn a harsh lesson from this humbling and keep their rivals where they can see them. Dolphin beat Clontarf last week to show they’re a stiff test at home. Verdict: Munsters will be far from Dolphin friendly.
Division 1B
UL Bohemians v Ballynahinch
UL Bohemians were the only Limerick side to register a league win in Round 8. 21 points without reply helped them to a remarkable come back victory away to Galwegians. This week Ballynahinch come to town. They can’t afford to gift another head start to the league leaders. If they begin this game as they finished the last, a big upset could be on the cards. Verdict: The Down men to head back up with nothing.
Bruff v UCC
There was no shame in Bruff’s defeat away to Dungannon last week. The 2 try salvo in the 2nd half will remind Peter Malone what his side are capable of though it hasn’t helped their league position. Only UCC are keeping Bruff off the bottom and the students tend to find their form in the second half of the season. This won’t be pretty and the loser will struggle to stay up. Verdict: Bruff to hang tough.
