ALL ROADS lead to Tom Clifford Park, Greenfields this Friday night as Round 8 of the Ulster Bank League offers up the Limerick derby between Young Munster and Garryowen.
The local rivals are set to meet three times in the coming months, with a Charity Cup final on December 15, wedged in between the two All Ireland League clashes.
The home side on Friday night are two points clear at the top of the table following two bonus point wins in Dublin 6 in recent weeks. Garryowen, with three wins from their opening seven games, know that a win on Friday night will propel them towards the playoff spots this season. With Munster’s in free scoring (and conceding mode) there is probably no better value this weekend for €10 than a trip to a Limerick Derby and Friday night lights.
The following day, in Division 1B, second placed UL Bohemians travel to Naas in what should be another win for the high flying Robins. In the same Division, bottom side Shannon will look to get a much needed win when they face Old Wesley at Thomond Park.
In Divison 2B, it is another Limerick derby this weekend as Old Crescent take on Thomond at Rosbrien. In what is sure to be a close affair, Old Crescent know that four points would get them back in the top four mix, while Thomond, who shipped 70 plus points last time out, know that a long second half of the season awaits should they not pick up a few points before Santa’s arrival.
Finally, on the Ulster Bank League front, Bruff make the long trip to Bangor on Saturday afternoon. A total of ten points separate these sides, in third (Bangor) and eighth (Bruff). However, the travelling side did defeat Kanturk last time out, so form is on their side.
In other rugby news, Munster will this Saturday take on Treviso at Thomond Park at 2pm. The game, which is not on TV, will see Rassie Erasmus’ side look for all five points as they chase top spot in the Pro12 table ahead of a tough away trip to Glasgow on Friday December 2.
