Weekend Rugby Preview

The A.I.B All Ireland Leagues resumes this weekend with a full series of games across all four divisions.

The big game of the weekend takes place as A.I.L. and Munster Cup specialists Shannon, who are surprisingly bottom of Section 1A take on Young Munster at Thomond Park on Friday evening in a big Limerick local derby tie kick off 7.30 p.m. With Paul O’Connell likely to line out for the “Cookies” a big crowd can be expected in a game that is vital to both sides.

On Saturday, Dolphin will have their work cut out when they entertain leaders Old Belvedere at Musgrave Park. This is a game in which the Cork side will seek to build on their recent shock victory over Cork Constitution in the Leeside derby at Temple Hill and bounce back from last week’s Munster Cup semi final defeat at the hands of Garryowen.

Cork Constitution will be aiming to return to winning ways as they travel to Limerick to take on Garryowen at Dooradoyle and reclaim top spot, should Belvo’ slip up against Dolphin.

In Section 1B Bruff, who have caused two upsets in the Munster Senior Cup defeating Shannon and Cork Constitution, will be aiming to continue their challenge for promotion as they welcome third-placed Dungannon to Kilballyowen Park.

At the other end of the table in this section, U.C.C, who are propping up the table, will be seeking to pick up valuable points in their battle against relegation when they take on U.L. Bohemian at the Mardyke.

In Division 2, the big game of the day sees basement clubs Thomond and Clonakilty lock horns at Liam Fitzgerald Park and defeat for either side could spell Division 3 rugby for next season.

Midleton make the long trip north to take on Belfast Harlequins as they aim to make up lost ground in their outside bid for promotion.

Old Crescent travel to the Capital to take on second-placed U.C.D. at the Belfield Bowl and the Students will be a tough proposition as the Limerick side, who are hovering above the danger zone, seek valuable points in a bid to avoid a relegation play off.

In Division 3 Highfield face a tricky proposition as they entertain leaders Instonians at Woodleigh Park and a victory for the Belfast side would put a series dent on ‘Field’s promotion bid.

Fifth-placed Sunday’s Well travel to County Down to take on fourth-placed Banbridge and a victory for the Cork side will see them move into a challenging position to play in Division 2 newxt season.

Nenagh Ormond take on Naas at Forenaughts in a mid-table clash and the Premier County side will want to get a win if they are to have a realistic chance of moving out of this Division.

FIXTURES:

FRIDAY 26th NOVEMBER
All Ireland League Division 1A:Shannon v Young Munster,Thomond Park,7.30;

SATURDAY 27th NOVEMBER
All Ireland League Division 1A:Blackrock College v St. Mary's College,Stradbrook,2.30;
Dolphin v Old Belvedere,Musgrave Park,2.30;
Garryowen v Cork Constitution,Dooradoyle,2.30;

Division 1B:Bruff v Dungannon,Bruff,2.30;
Buccaneers v Galwegians,Dubarry Park,2.30;
Clontarf v Lansdowne,Castle Avenue,2.30;
U.C.C. v U.L. Bohemian,Mardyke,2.30;

Division 2:Belfast Harlequins v Midleton,Deramore Park,2.30;
D.L.S.P. v Ballynahinch,Kirwin Park,2.30;
Dublin University v Corinthians,College Park,2.30;
Malone v Terenure College,Gibson Park,2.30;
Old Wesley v Ballymena,Donnybrook,2.30;
Queens University v Bective Rangers,Dub Lane,2.30;
Thomond v Clonakilty,Fitzgerald Park,2.30;
U.C.D. v Old Crescent,Belfield,2.30;

Division 3:Banbridge v Sunday's Well,Banbridge,2.30;
City of Derry v NUIM Barnhall,Judge Road,2.30;
Connemara v Suttonians,Monastery Field,2.30;
Greystones v Wanderers,Dr. Hickey Park,2.30;
Highfield v Instonians,Woodleigh Park,2.30;
Naas v Nenagh Ormond,Fournaughts,2.30;
Navan v Rainey Old Boys,Belreask,2.30;
Seapoint v Ards,Killiney,2.30;