We’ve reached the halfway point in the season and things are starting to really heat up. There are some big games this weekend happening in 1A. Young Munster will attempt to get back-to-back victories over league leaders Terenure College. Cork Con and Trinity will do battle for the second time in seven days and Lansdowne must travel to the historic Coonagh in search of much needed win. It’s all happening, let’s get into it!
Terenure College vs Young Munster, Saturday January 14th, Lakelands Park, 2.30pm
This is the game of the week without a shadow of doubt. It is not only a league contest, but it is also a Bateman Cup semi-final.
Before the Christmas break, Young Munster became the first team to beat Terenure in the league season as they continue to push for a place inside that top 4.
Sean Skehan’s ‘Nure have undoubtedly been the most impressive side in the division this season, rarely putting a foot wrong. The defeat in the last round came as a bit of a surprise. They’ve made Lakelands a real fortress in the last year or so. The ground has one of the best atmospheres in the AIL, especially on a big gameday. You would have to go back to October 2021 to see the last time they were beaten at home, that game was against eventual champions Clontarf. They’ll be confident they can keep that winning record going and keep their place at the top of the table.
Gearoid Prendergast would have been delighted with how his team was going prior to the mid-season interval. They were on a four-match winning streak, beating all the current top three teams, Terenure College, Clontarf and Trinity. They are currently on the heels of both Cork Con and Trinity and if they get a win this weekend, they could potentially jump into the playoff places.
A Nure win would make it feel like normality has been resumed, but a second consecutive defeat could really open things up at the top of the table. It should be a cracker.
Cork Constitution V Dublin University, Saturday January 14th, Temple Hill, 2.30pm
This must be a close second for game of the week. Let’s not forget these teams played out an electric 35-35 draw only last Saturday in College Park.
Heading into the game, Con are probably the favourites. They left a lot of chances behind them in the last round, failing to score in key areas of the pitch. The lineout was a severe problem for them and definitely something they’ll be trying to fix on the training ground this week, if they can do that, they have a better chance of getting the victory this time.
This next block of fixtures is a real test for Tony Smeeth’s squad and the results could play a big role in deciding whether or not they make the top 4 this season. We know they have got arguably the most exciting backline in the league, that can make anything happen from broken play, but it is in the forward pack where they will be really pushed. Player availability will be key for them.
Shannon V Lansdowne, Saturday January 14th, Coonagh, 2:30pm
It’s back to grassroots for Shannon when they welcome a wounded Lansdowne to Coonagh on Saturday. A win for the Munster men will put them further away from the bottom end of the table.
Lansdowne need a much improved second half of the season, only registering two wins out of nine games. Their current position in the league table would not have been predicted by many at the start of the season. Wiping the slate clean and having a fresh start in 2023 will be their aim as they’ll hope they can put together more complete performances to achieve winning results.
Shannon will be keen for much of the same when they play on Saturday. They had a tough start to life back in the top division, but they seem to be finding their feet in the last few league games. Another win for them at the weekend, would put them further away from the drop zone.
It’s really a must win for both sides.
Garryowen V Clontarf, Saturday January 14th Dooradoyle, 2pm
Garryowen have the visit of AIL champions Clontarf to deal with next, a tough assignment to start their new year.
Tarf got back to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over Cork Con in round 9, followed by a convincing display vs Garryowen in Castle Avenue. They are strong favourites to do the same again.
The Limerick side sit at the foot of the table, with no wins to their name so far. It will be difficult for them to avoid relegation/
University College Dublin V Ballynahinch, Saturday January 14th, Belfield Bowl, 2.30pm
This should be a very competitive game. These sides met last Saturday where the Ulstermen made home advantage in the last game, running out 31-25 winners.
Hinch know another win will keep them very much in the top 4 discussion and a result for UCD will keep them away from the bottom places.
