THE ULSTER Bank League returns this weekend with a local derby in Division 1A the highlight. (All games mentioned kick off at 2.30pm)
On Saturday 15 afternoon in Greenfields, Young Munster will play host to Garryowen. Third placed Young Munsters will be looking to get back on track after their last outing loss to Clontarf. The men from the yellow road will lament the absence of a playoff system as they lie in fifth 13 points off of the top and 20 away from the bottom.
If Young Munster seem to have nothing to play for this weekend, Garryowen are the complete opposite. The light blues secured their first win last time out and another here could make what seemed like an impossible escape, possible.
In division 1B, UL Bohemians entertain Malone in Annacotty. The ‘Robins’ know that a win against the seventh placed side in the Division is a must if they are to keep their chance of a playoff spot alive.
In the same division, Shannon travel to Dungannon knowing that a win will separate them from the sides below. Shannon will be expected to win big against the league’s bottom side.
In 2A, last placed Bruff will travel to Seapoint in Dublin for another must win game. The men from the county have been so close in so many games this season, that their luck has to change sometime. We are now entering into a stage of the league where some teams have nothing to play for but pride, while others, like Bruff, are playing for their lives.
Old Crescent will travel to the Mardyke this weekend in the knowledge that a win over the sixth placed students will see them create a bigger gap between themselves and bottom side Bruff. Old Crescent have been hit and miss this season, so a win in Cork would be a great notch on the belt.
Division 2B sees Richmond, currently in 10th spot, travel to Sligo. The green and whites will be looking for their fifth win of the season over the westerners. Sligo have not been hugely impressive this season but they are a formidable pack and with the weather the way it is, Richmond will have to earn their four points.
Finally, in the same league, Thomond will entertain Nenagh Ormond. In this first versus third clash, Thomond know that a home win over the Tipperary men will really put them in the promotion hunt.
With only seven points separating the sides before kick off Brendan Guilfoyle’s men know that a win of any kind would be the icing on the cake,
For those who look to this section for predictions, we have picked the following in this weekend’s games.
Wins for Garryowen, UL Bohs, Shannon, Seapoint, UCC, Richmond and Thomond.
