There are only six normal game days left in the regular season. Will Terenure College still be at the top of the table come the end of game week 18 or will Cork Con or Clontarf finish as league leaders? The battle for fourth place is fascinating, Young Munster sit in poll position currently with Trinity looking to regain their seat in the playoffs with Ulstermen Ballynahinch still very much in the mix too. Let’s get into it
Clontarf V Young Munster, Saturday 18th February, Castle Avenue, 2:30pm
This is a real game of the week contender. It is third vs fourth and let us not forget ‘Munsters ended Clontarf’s long winning streak back in round six. It should be a real tussle.
‘Tarf will be full of confidence after their impressive 24-29 victory over Terenure College in the last round. We know that this contest is often a battle of the packs, with both teams having some powerful forwards in their side, along with a well-drilled set piece. Andy Wood’s men will be looking to make home advantage count.
The Cookies have finally managed to work their way into that top four after chasing down Trinity for quite some time and they won’t want to give up their foothold in the playoff places as it would open the door for Trinity or Ballynahinch to leap them in the standings depending on their results.
Lansdowne V Cork Con, Saturday 18th February, Aviva Back Pitch, 2:30pm
This is always a game that generates great interest. Two great clubs of the AIL that have had many great battles over the years. This season, they are on opposite ends of the scale, Con are pushing for league honours whereas Lansdowne are involved in a bit of a scrap at the bottom half of the table.
Consistency seems to be something Lansdowne are struggling to find this season. A surprising away defeat to Garryowen in the last round put a halt to their unbeaten run since the season restart. They’ll have to have a big performance this weekend to beat the inform Cork Con.
Jonny Holland has done a great job with Cork Con this season, they’ve only been beaten twice all season. They sit third in the table, level on points with Clonttarf and Terenure firmly in their sights, aiming to get their fourth win on the bounce.
Ballynahinch V Terenure College, Saturday 18th February, Ballymacarn Park, 2:30pm
After falling short against Clontarf in their last game, Sean Skehan’s Terenure have another tough assignment when they travel up north to face a hungry Ballynahinch outfit.
‘Nure remains at the top of the league despite the defeat in the last round to Clontarf. They have been flawless at times this season, getting back on track will be their key focus on Saturday, very aware that both Clontarf and Cork Con are only a few points behind.
‘Hinch will need all of their home support behind them on Saturday if they’re going to do the job on Terenure. The Ulstermen sit four points off Young Munster in fourth, a win will keep that pressure on.
Shannon V Trinity, Saturday 18th February, Thomond Park, 2:30pm
This is a must win game for both sides for completely different reasons. Shannon needs a win in the battle for survival, on the other hand, Trinity need a win if they are going to have any chance of regaining their spot in the top four.
Shannon sit ninth in the table, but a win this weekend could lift them out of the danger zone depending on other results.
Tony Smeeth’s team haven’t won since that round six game against Saturday’s opponents in College Park. It’s been a difficult period of results for the students. Victory for them this weekend seems vitally important.
UCD V Garryowen, Saturday 18th February, Belfield Bowl, 2:30pm
This is another big clash towards the bottom end of the table. Last place Garryowen make the trip to South Dublin to face eighth place UCD.
UCD will be targeting an essential win this weekend. The victory potentially lifting them further away from the dreaded bottom two places.
Garryowen are on of a bit of high after winning their first game of the league campaign against Lansdowne in the last round. Can they back up that win with another?
