by Justin Brady
Division 1A
Dolphin (7) v Young Munster (4) 2.30pm
Saturday February 1, Musgrave Park
Arguably one of the strongest teams on paper, Dolphin, entertain many people’s surprise packets this season, Young Munster on Saturday. The ‘Cookies’ will be disappointed with last weekend’s home loss to Clontarf, but an away win against an unpredictable Dolphin could be on the cards
Prediction: Young Munster away win.
Division 1A
Garryowen (10) v Ballynahinch (9) 2.30pm
Saturday February 1, Dooradoyle
Last weekend was much improved for Garryowen. A 13-9 loss away to Lansdowne was hard fought and the green shoots of recovery might be seen yet. It looks as if they are doomed to go down, but a win over the side above them this weekend could start something special.
Prediction: Garryowen to get their first win.
Division 1B
Belfast Quins (5) v UL Bohemians (3) 2.30pm
Saturday February 1, Deramore Park
With Terenure all but crowned champions, UL Bohs will be looking to close the gap on second placed Corinthians with a win away in Belfast this weekend. The last time the two sides met the Robins won 23-17 in a tough game. The Annacotty side will miss Jack O’Donoghue once more due to international commitments, so an away win could be difficult.
Prediction: Quins to shade it.
Division 1B
Shannon (6) v Corinthians (2) 2.30pm
Saturday February 1, Thomond Park
With last weekend’s game abandoned in Blackrock, Shannon will be itching to get going this weekend against second placed Corinthians. With a gap opening up in mid table, Shannon will be looking to make sure a win here gets them going in the right direction.
Prediction: Shannon
In Division 2A, Bruff, who finally secured a win last week, will be looking to make it two in a row against Banbridge at home. A feat which is very possible.
Naas, who lost to Bruff, giving the Limerick side their first win of the year, face Old Crescent in Rosbrien at the same time. (2.30pm Saturday February 1) The O’Dwyer lead side lost to Bective in their last fixture, 9-3 and know that a winnable match could go a long way to securing survival.
In Division 2B, fourth placed Thomond entertain bottom placed Suttonians. The Blue and Whites secured a valuable win last weekend with a 16-3 win over Greystone. The Fitzgerald Park side are now just eight points off the top of the table.
In the same division, Richmond will host Tullamore at the Canal Bank. A 13-7 away win in Sunday’s Well last weekend sees Richmond move up to ninth in the table. With four wins from nine games, the green and whites will be looking to break even from this weekend’s 10th fixture.
