Just two teams remain unbeaten in 1B this campaign, amongst the top four facing away trips this weekend, leaders St Mary’s travel to Naas while second placed Highfield meet neighbours UCC.
Blackrock College v Queens University, Saturday November 4th, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
Last year’s front runners in 2A meet in 1B for the first time this weekend as Blackrock host Queens, many an exciting battle between these two and this promises to be another instalment.
Blackrock are hoping to avoid a third straight defeat this weekend, they dropped out of the top four last time out to this weekend’s opponents, following their second three point defeat of the campaign. Narrow defeats to Highfield and Belvedere, if last season is anything to go by we could see a third. Both sides claimed a win last year by the minimum, with new faces and some older ones still in their ranks, Blackrock are hungry to end their losing streak.
Queens on the other hand are the opposite on the form guide, coming off two strong bonus point wins, they moved to fourth and should they claim a third impressive win on the spin they could move above Wesley and Highfield should results go their way. Jonny Hunter, Harry Long, Peter Heasley, James Humphreys, Lorcan McLoughlin and Lukas Kenny all crossed for tires last time out, with the visitors still packing a lethal punch on the scoring front.
Buccaneers v Old Belvedere, Saturday November 4th, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
WInless so far this campaign Buccaneers sit bottom of the 1B standings and hope to turn the screw with Belvedere visiting Dubarry Park this weekend.
It has been a tough start to the season for Buccaneers, three straight defeats has them rock bottom five points off the pace of the nearest sides above them in the standings. Two 16 point and one 17 point defeat has them seriously out of form and in need of a serious turn around as we approach round four. Injuries to Danny Qualter and James Kelly are of concern to the pirates this weekend, a spell of injuries last year saw them miss out on promotion and while this young side have struggled, they are showing signs of improvement.
Belvo picked up their first win of the campaign in a heart stopping 43-40 encounter over Blackrock two weeks ago, a much needed result from the Dubliners to kick start their campaign after two defeats saw them well off the pace in those early rounds. Back in March of this year Belvedere left 34-7 winners and based on recent form it’s hard not to see them leave with another win.
Garryowen v Old Wesley, Saturday November 4th, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
A side on the up visiting a side who have dropped down in the standings in recent weeks, Wesley look to keep their early promotion race alive against ninth placed Garryowen.
The Shannon men are not where they aimed to be following their relegation from 1A last season. Having lost their opener, winning in round two looked to have kicked them into gear but despite a very spirited showing in Belfast two weeks ago, Queens prevailed 41-32. Having won their opening home game of the campaign they will hope to take points from this encounter.
Wesley are a side in form in recent weeks, two wins from their opening three the challenge of Mary’s became just two much for them to handle in round two. Since then they have regrouped and will look to make it two wins on the trot this weekend, Ian Cassidy has been a solid goal kicker this term, with a host of players getting over to add to their 13 try tally this season.
Naas v St Mary’s College, Saturday November 4th, Forenaughts, 2:30pm
Pace setters St Mary’s make the short trip from the capital to Forenaughts to meet Naas in a Leinster Derby this weekend.
Naas despite taking two try scoring bonus points in recent weeks, suffered consecutive losses and are looking to break that streak against the leaders this weekend. Queens and Wesley both produced high scoring exploits against the Kildare side but they still were competitive in those results, Naas lost this contest shy of 12 months ago and will need an improved result to avoid history repeating itself.
Mary’s are an impressive side in 1B thus far, fully deserving of their status as leaders, three bonus point wins in a row, they are potent in attack and solid in defence, following a sixth placed finish last season they have shown serious intent after three rounds. Buccaneers, Wesley and UCC have all fallen before them this season, Daniel Sancery crossed for a hat trick last time out, while Mick O’Gara’s exploits from the tee this year have been incredible.
UCC v Highfield, Saturday November 4th, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
A Cork Derby at the Mardyke this weekend as Highfield make the short trip to face their near neighbours for a game of bragging rights and for the visitors the chance to remain unbeaten.
UCC slipped down to eight following their defeat to Mary’s two weeks ago and in this early stage of the season will not want to be fighting the relegation battle. UCC have some exciting new acquisitions this season, with Munster Academy prospect Ben O’Connor one of the standout names, his two tries last time out saw him make a splash on the Division, but Daniel Squires is the sides top scorer with a deadly accurate boot.
Highfield are second to Mary’s by two points going into round four and hope their unbeaten streak continues as they face their neighbours. The challenge of UCC proved quite fruitful for Highfield last season following the hosts dropping down from 1A. Two wins including a 34-10 win at the same venue back in January, the visitors will have confidence of extending their winning streak in this Derby.
More Info on Division 1B here.
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.