Weekend Club Preview

It is another weekend of action in Divisions 1A and 1B of the Ulster Bank League as well as a full programme in the Munster Junior League.

In Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League Cork Constitution make the long trip north to take on Ballynahinch. The Lilywhites will be aiming to make it two wins out of two against the Ulster side, as they bid to continue their quest for a top four finish. Con’ defeated the County Down side 23-16 at Temple Hill in September.

Leeside's Dolphin, who are propping up the table, are at home for the second successive weekend as they welcome UCD to Irish Independent Park. The home side face a tricky task as they aim to build on last weekend’s first win of the campaign against Young Munster and avenge September’s 32-12 defeat at Belfield.

Seventh-placed Young Munster will have their work cut out as they take on second-placed Terenure College at Tom Clifford Park. The Dublin side put up 42 points without reply when these sides met at Lakelands Park in September.

Shannon are on the road for the second successive weekend as they travel to Athlone to take on Buccaneers. Buccs recorded a 27-17 win when these sides met at Coonagh in September and Shannon will have it all to do as they aim to build on last weekend’s 18-3 away win over leaders Galwegians in their bid to climb up the table.

Garryowen travel to Galway and they will be looking to make it two wins out of two over Corinthians as they defeated the Galway side 23-8 at Dooradoyle in September.

UL Bohemian face a tricky task as they entertain leaders Galwegians at Thomond Park in a bid to avenge September’s narrow 13-10 defeat at Crowley Park.

The new Division 1 Munster Junior League leaders Clonmel travel to the Banner County to take on fourth-placed St Senan’s, with the home side also in contention for an All Ireland Junior Cup place with a top four finish.

Newcastle West will be expected to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat by Clonmel and get back to winning ways as they entertain bottom side Kinsale, who are still without a win.

Struggling Cobh Pirates face a tricky task as they travel to Corbally to take on St Mary’s and fellow strugglers Tralee are away to Old Christians.

Galbally will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they aim to take another step closer to safety when they entertain Muskerry.

There is a West Cork derby between Skibbereen and former AIL side Clonakilty at the Carbery Showgrounds, with third-placed Clon’ aiming to keep their aspirations of qualifying for next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup intact.

The other former AIL side Waterpark will have their work cut out against Kilfeacle at Ballinakill, with the Tipperary side playing for a place in next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup.

Castleisland, who have slipped to fourth in Division 2 following last weekend’s narrow 32-30 defeat by Newport, will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take on struggling Ballincollig under lights on Saturday evening at the Kerry venue.

On Sunday the Premier County derby between second-placed Clanwilliam and Newport in Tipperary Town also doubles up as a Munster Junior Cup first round tie. Clan’ will be expected to keep their aspirations of promotion intact and qualify for the second round of the Junior Cup.

Runaway leaders Bandon are away to Ennis and will be expected to come away with the points, while fellow Cork sides Youghal and Mallow who both recorded morale boosting wins last time out, lock horns at the East Cork venue.

Third-placed Thurles will be expected to keep their outside promotion hopes intact as they welcome Presentation to the Tipperary venue.

Abbeyfeale will be expected to be too strong for Killarney when these sides meet at the West Limerick venue and Waterford City, who are in mid-table take on bottom side Crosshaven at Kilbarry.

There is a top of the table clash in Division 3 which sees runaway leaders Dungarvan put their unbeaten record on the line against second-placed Douglas at Ballyrandle. The West Waterford side will be expected to begin 2015 on a winning note and claim all points as they look to get back to winning ways following their Martin O’Sullivan Cup final defeat by Charleville before Christmas.

In other games, Martin O’Sullivan Cup winners Charleville are away to Scariff, Fermoy lock horns with Fethard at the Showgrounds and Carrigaline are at home to Killorglin.

Click here for this week's full fixture list.