A mammoth round 13 of fixtures in 1B, with the top four tussling it out in respective games, the chasing pack all have a claim to finish inside the top four this weekend, 1B being incredibly competitive this year.
Naas v Blackrock College, Saturday February 10th, Forenaughts, 2:30pm
Blackrock have the chance to return to the top four this weekend, a win over Naas along with results elsewhere could see them make it.
Despite winning their last outing, Naas slipped down the order and sit seventh, down simply to how competitive it is from second right down to seventh. Naas have won their last two games and are a side in good form looking to return to the top four.
Rock also slipped down the order two weeks ago, due to the fact they suffered defeat at the hands of Garryowen. Having started the year off on a strong note including a win over Mary’s, ending their unbeaten run, that slip up has resulted in a loss of ground. Rock narrowly won the reverse fixture and will hope for a similar outcome this weekend.
Old Belvedere v Highfield, Saturday February 10th, Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
A top four showdown in Ollie Campbell Park, Belvo and Highfield both aiming to keep their top four spot intact.
Belvedere occupy second in the standings, having lost two weeks ago to Mary’s the gap ahead has grown and now they risk losing second spot to the chasing pack. A skillful unit who have had some mixed results in recent outings, to keep second they need to be at their best.
Highfield have been a strong contender for the promotion play-offs all year and still have a shout at making it but need results to back that up. With half a dozen teams all fighting for promotion, it really is a scramble for points. Highfield did lose the reverse tie 29-14 in Cork and do not want a similar outcome this weekend.
Old Wesley v Buccaneers, Saturday February 10th, Energia Park, 2:30pm
Bottom placed Buccaneers are still fighting for safety and face an arduous task against Old Wesley to take points this weekend.
Wesley gained ground last weekend and are one of a host of teams fighting for promotion. Three wins under their belts since the new year, Wesley are a side very much inform. Playing an attractive brand of rugby, they are looking to push for top four this weekend.
Buccs meanwhile are bottom by virtue of score difference to Queens, a 32 point swing in score difference is needed for them to pass Queens if they fail to take points this weekend. A win has not arrived in their last three games, despite beating Blackrock before Christmas, they have failed to take a win since, could this weekend change it all.
Queens University v UCC, Saturday February 10th, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
A battle of the Universities as UCC travel north hoping to put a gap between them and the drop zone.
Queens have certainly found the step up to 1B difficult this year, still a team full of quality and can never be underestimated, the form recently has very much seen them remain in the drop zone. Nine defeats in a row failing to win a game since October, some close encounters since but they need wins sooner than later.
UCC won the reverse of this tie 29-17 in The Mardyke in November, that game marked their last win in the Division. A draw was their only outcome since that wasn’t on the losing end, UCC are missing some key men in their ranks, hopeful of ending their losing run this weekend.
St Mary’s College v Garryowen, Saturday February 10th, Templeville Road, 2:30pm
Another massive game concerning matters in the top four, runaway leaders St Mary’s locking horns with Garryowen in the capital.
Mary’s have a 19 point lead at the summit and look very comfortable to land the 1B crown this year, it would take a massive turnaround to see that gap shrink to the point we wonder if they can indeed lift silverware. A win over Garryowen would be another step to confirm their status as Champions.
Garryowen are fighting to go back up to 1A and unbeaten in their last six games, very much a side in good form. Last winning in the capital over Blackrock two weeks ago, they aim to head back up the M7 and return with a win and to remain in the hunt for promotion.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.