AFTER a fractured few weeks of fixtures being on and off in both the lower and top divisions, this week we are back to a full complement of league fixtures with all eight Limerick sides in action this weekend. Most of these sides will be looking to build up a bit of steam at this crucial part of the season and will go all out for a win.
Ulster Bank League Division 1A
Old Belvedere v Young Munster
BOTH of these sides will be desperate for a victory as they lie in seventh and eight places respectively in the league table. With their current league position it is still possible that they could be dragged into a relegation battle which was almost unthinkable at one point for Munster’s as they were looking for a play-off spot. If they still harbour any hopes of getting up into the top four they will need to start with a win this weekend.
Verdict : Munster’s to edge it
Ulster Bank League Division 1B
Ballymena v U.L Bohemians
BALLYmena have recently dropped to fourth in the league after a poor run of form and Bohs will be hoping they can captalise and try and get themselves away from the relegation places, for which they seem destined on current form. Bohs are currently second from bottom on points difference alone from Connacht side Corinthians.
Verdict : Ballymena
Garryowen v Belfast Harlequins
Garryowen are currently on a high as they sit in second in the division, just a solitary point off the top with a much better points difference. Harlequins are also on a high, pulling off good wins against UL Bohs and Malone in recent weeks to pull clear of the relegation places and into the safety of the mid-table places. However with a title challenge now here for the taking, Garryowen should prove far too strong for the Belfast outfit.
Verdict: Garryowen
Shannon v Corinthians
THIS is truly a relegation battle with two points and two places between these sides. Shannon had a mini revival shortly before Christmas and will be hoping they can get back to winning ways this weekend. However, they come up against another side desperate for a win and it looks to be a winner takes all relegation clash. It will be a tight and tense affair, but with home advantage, I fancy Shannon to get a result.
Verdict : Shannon….. Just about
Ulster Bank League Division 2A
Cashel v Thomond
THIS has all the makings of a great game as both teams seem to be gearing towards a promotion push and lie fifth and sixth respectively in the league. Cashel will be confident after putting 40 points on Bective Rangers in Dublin last week. Thomond will be slightly less confident despite a strong win against Dungannon last weekend as they have slipped up away from home to inferior opposition already this season. If they play as they did against Dungannon, I fancy them to get the right result.
Verdict : Thomond
Ulster Bank League Division 2B
Bruff v Old Crescent
BOTH of these sides have been on the up in recent games and may look to gear towards a promotion place. However, they first need to overcome their cross-city rivals in what looks to be a fantastic game of rugby. It will be very difficult to split these sides, but I fancy Bruff with the home advantage to snatch a win.
Verdict : Bruff
Richmond v Boyne
RICHMOND have been on a run of form that can only be described as dismal after last week’s beating by Greystones. They currently sit second from bottom with only Ards below them. Boyne may be on the up after a great win last week against Sligo and could prolong Richmond’s suffering. Richmond look to be destined for the drop on this form. Hope springs eternal though.
Verdict : Boyne
By Stephen Falvey
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