Senior Rugby Preview

The second last series of games in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League are down for decision this weekend with playoff places of vital importance to several clubs.

Proceedings get underway under lights at the Spafield on Friday evening as Cashel host Nenagh Ormond in a Tipperary derby. The North Tipperary side are two points behind Highfield in third place following their 29-22 home defeat by Malone last week.

Cashel were defeated 24-13 by Corinthians in Galway last time out. This will be a tough assignment for Cashel as the North Tipperary side, who won 30-14 when these sides met at New Ormond Park, will be looking to get their promotion challenge back on track.

The game of the day in Division 1A sees Young Munster and Cork Constitution going head to head at Tom Clifford Park. The Limerick side are third on 49 points following their narrow 13-11 away win over defending champions Clontarf and the Lilywhites are on 51 points following their 26-20 home win over Garryowen. Young Munster ran out 37-15 winners when these sides met at Temple Hill and they will be looking to make the most of home advantage count if they are to overtake the Leesiders in second place.

Garryowen lock horns with Old Belvedere in a basement clash. The Sky Blues ran out 13-11 winners when these sides met in Dublin. Garryowen will have their work cut out in a bid to bounce back from their defeat by Cork Constitution as Old Belvedere held Lansdowne to a 15-15 draw in a Dublin derby last time out.

In Division 1B, UL Bohemian make the long trip to County Down to take on Ballynahinch who they defeated 38-22 at Annacotty in September. The Ulster side are coming off the back of a narrow 16-14 away win over Naas while the Limerick side, who are second on 47 points, face a tough assignment to maintain their promotion bid.

Shannon, who are hovering above the drop zone, entertain leaders Buccaneers at Thomond Park. Buccaneers ran out 27-3 winners when these sides met in Athlone and Shannon face a tricky task in their battle against the drop as they are seven points clear of the drop zone.

Fifth-placed UCC host Galwegians who are second from bottom and they will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to avenge September’s 31-14 defeat when these sides met at Crowley Park.

Bottom side Dolphin host Old Wesley, who are in third place at Irish Independent Park on Sunday. Dolphin are one point behind Galwegians when they defeated 29-23 in Galway last time out and they were defeated 21-10 when they met Old Wesley at Donnybrook.

Sunday’s Well travel to the Capital to take on Blackrock College at Stradbrook in Division 2A on Saturday. The Leesiders are second form bottom above Belfast Harlequins, who have already been relegated, following their 20-6 defeat by Highfield at Irish Independent Park. Sunday’s Well were defeated 33-23 when these sides clashed on Leeside and face a tricky task if they are to avoid a quick return to Division 2B.

Second-placed Highfield will be looking to maintain their challenge for a third successive promotion as they entertain Malone by whom they were held to a 3-3 draw in Belfast.

Thomond are away to Bective Rangers in a basement clash, with Thomond already relegated. The Dublin side recorded a comprehensive 49-10 win when these sides met at Liam Fitzgerald Park.

Fourth-placed Old Crescent welcome MU Barnhall, who are fifth to Rosbrien. These sides played out a 16-16 draw when they met in County Kildare.

In Division 2C, Midleton, who are eighth, welcome fifth-placed Bruff to East Cork. Midleton ran out 26-16 when these sides met at Kilballyowen Park and they will be looking to make the most of home advantage count following their agonizing one-point defeat by Bangor.

Kanturk are now propping up the table and facing a return to Junior ranks after three seasons in the AIL, following their 16-8 home defeat by Tullamore. They face a tough assignment as they travel to Killiney to take on Seapoint against whom they recorded a 16-12 home win in September.