Weekend Club Preview

The Ulster Bank League continues this weekend with a full programme of games across all four Divisions including several Friday night derby games.

Proceedings get underway in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League where struggling Dolphin will have their work cut out as they take on Cork Constitution at Temple Hill on Friday evening. These sides played out a 6-6 draw at Irish Independent Park in November and Con have moved from fifth to third following their victory last time out against Old Belvedere.

It is also Limerick derby night in Division 1B as Shannon take on Garryowen at Thomond Park. The Sky Blues will be looking to make it two wins form two over their great rivals as they won the corresponding fixture on a 21-3 scoreline at Dooradoyle on the opening weekend of the campaign. Shannon will be aiming to build on their valuable home win over Malone last time out while Garryowen will be looking to get back into the promotion race as they were defeated by leaders Galwegians in their last game.

There is another Limerick derby under lights at Richmond Park as Richmond entertain Old Crescent in Division 2B. Richmond will be aiming to make the most of home advantage and build on their recent valuable away win over Navan in their bid to preserve their AIL status.

On Saturday Young Munster make the long trip to County Down to take on Ballynahinch in Division 1A and they will be looking to record their second win of the season over the Ulster side as they aim to finish in the top four.

UL Bohemian, who are in mid-table in Division 1B, are away to bottom side Belfast Harlequins.

In Division 2A, Thomond face a tricky task as they travel to the Capital to take on leaders Old Wesley and Nenagh Ormond will be aiming to climb further up the table as they welcome struggling Naas to New Ormond Park.

Cashel and Rainey Old Boys go head to head in a mid-table clash at the Spafield.

Highfield will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of Division 2B as they take on Wanders at Merrion Road and Leeside neighbours Sunday’s Well are at home to struggling Boyne.

Midleton face a tricky assignment as they look to bounce back form their recent narrow defeat by City of Armagh as they take on Kanturk in a Cork derby at Towns Park.

The semi finals of the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup are down for decision as Clonmel, who share pole position in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League, are at home to Kilfeacle in a Premier County derby on Saturday evening. The South Tipperary side already recorded a 31-0 home win over Kilfeacle in the League in October.

Cobh Pirates, who are hovering above the drop zone, face a tough assignment as they entertain Skibbereen in Sunday’s second semi final at the Paddocks. Home advantage is vital for the East Cork side as they aim to salvage a disappointing League campaign. Skibb, who have recently climbed into the top half of the table, ran out 20-14 winners over the Pirates in the League at the Carbery Showgrounds.

Mallow take on Clanwilliam at St Joseph’s Road in the second semi final of the Munster Junior Club’s Challenge Shield, with the winners meeting Bandon in the decider. Clan are in second place behind Bandon in Division 2 and Mallow will be looking to make home advantage count if they are to reach their second decider in three seasons. The North Cork side will also be aiming to avenge their 16-3 home League defeat by the Tipperary Town side on the opening day of the League campaign.

Thomond and Old Crescent contest the McInerney Cup decider on the back pitch at Thomond Park and Thomond will be looking to go one better as they lost last season’s final to St Mary’s.

Click here for this week's full fixture list.