Before we pause for a week break, St Mary’s look to go six games unbeaten, while the Colours Match between UCC and Queens promises to be an exciting proposition in The Mardyke.
Blackrock College v Naas, Saturday 18th November, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
After consecutive wins in recent weeks Blackrock have moved second in the standings and while they are eight points behind Mary’s will look to keep the pressure on this weekend.
After their bonus point win over Wesley, Blackrock narrowly lead from the chasing pack in pursuit of Mary’s, not just a provincial derby between them and Naas but a game they will need to win to keep on the tails of the leaders. A blend of youth and experience in their ranks this season, Rock look a real contender in these early rounds.
Naas on the other hand jumped out of the bottom two places last weekend having come from 38-0 down at half time to snatch a late comeback win over Garryowen. Just a second win of the season for Naas, yet again a narrow result in a comeback performance but another crucial one. If they can topple their Dublin neighbours it would be a result to keep them away from the dreaded bottom two places.
Buccaneers v Old Wesley, Saturday 18th November, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
A meeting of the bottom two in Athlone as Buccaneers look to build on their first win of the season last time out.
Buccs needed a win last weekend and went to Belfast and did as required, now they sit five behind Wesley looking to put pressure on their Dublin opponents in the early relegation battle. For Buccaneers this is not where they want to be having just missed on a promotion place last season, injuries continue to haunt the pirates.
Wesley also did not aim to be in the drop zone after five rounds and would not be here only for being deducted three points for a breach of the international player clearance process, they would occupy fifth spot otherwise. With a two game losing streak, they will aim to turn that around with this away trip, not dwelling on their 35-7 defeat last season at this venue.
Garryowen v St Mary’s College, Saturday 18th November, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Leaders St Mary’s head down the M7 for a showdown with Garryowen in Dooradoyle, a battle of two absolute heavyweights.
While Garryowen squandered a 38-10 lead last weekend they failed to drop places in the standings, sitting in seventh they are only four points behind Highfield and some score difference separating them also. A win for the Limerick outfit here would be a real statement of intent having dropped down from 1A last season, to propel them back up the standings.
As their opponents dust themselves off after defeat last weekend, the unbeaten pace setters from the capital are looking to score a sixth win in succession before pausing for a week’s break next weekend. Mick O’Gara continues to be a real presence in this Mary’s team and has been one of their standout campingers this season.
Highfield v Old Belvedere, Saturday 18th November, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
After suffering consecutive setbacks, Highfield dropped from second to fourth taking on Belvedere in a real top four clash in Woodleigh Park.
The Cork side certainly were one of the early pace setters until they fell to UCC in the local derby in round four, since then it has not been the ideal performance and against Belvedere they could well falter for a third time. Not where they aim to be however and with a host of talented players that spark remains within them to get results.
Belvedere however are matched up in similar fashion, losing their opening two games they have turned it around to sit just ahead of Highfield. A bonus point the difference with a more potent attack have edged them in the scoring front, these two are well known to each other as Highfield came out 19-17 winners in the promotion semi final last season, the second occasion Belvo were defeated by their opponents last season.
UCC v Queens University, Saturday 18th November, The Mardyke, 3pm
Kicking off the action slightly later in the afternoon is the Colours Match in The Mardyke as UCC welcome Queens to Leeside.
Only score difference separates the two in the standings as UCC are ahead sitting in fifth spot. Despite suffering a 34-29 defeat to Belvedere last weekend two bonus points were enough for UCC to leapfrog Queens in the standings. Daniel Squires has been a key clog in the Cork students machine this year as he has been a key scorer.
Queens bring a real competitive nature about them down to Leeside this weekend, continuing to make a splash in 1B since their promotion. While Queens have lost their last two encounters in the division, they still pack a real punch and could snatch a result from this one.
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.