St Mary’s and Old Belvedere meet in a huge top four clash this weekend, while the land of 1B elsewhere remains competitive as UCC look to keep onto fourth spot come Saturday evening.
Garryowen v Blackrock College, Saturday December 2nd, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Two historic AIL clubs meet on Shannonside as Blackrock journey down the M7 to meet Garryowen.
For the first time since the 2011-12 season we will see Garryowen and Blackrock meet in the AIL, back then both were 1A teams, while now Blackrock are seeking a third straight promotion to move back up. Garryowen sit eight in the table losing their last two meetings has developed a little slump in form, one they will hope to end with a strong performance this weekend.
When last Blackrock came to Dooradoyle to meet Garryowen they were defeated on the same weekend. December 3rd 2011 was the day, 20-13 was the outcome and now 12 years later on December 2nd can they leave with a win. They also in turn lost the return game in Stradbrook back then but 12 years on look a serious prospect. Three wins on the spin they are eight behind Mary’s looking to keep that pressure applied this weekend.
Naas v Buccaneers, Saturday December 2nd, Forenaughts, 2:30pm
Looking to make up for their narrow setback to Blackrock in round six, Naas are back on home soil against a resurgent Buccaneers.
The Kildare side did make up ground two week’s ago despite their narrow 32-29 loss to Blackrock. Now presiding in seventh spot they are three points away from both the top four and the drop zone. With a -48 differential in scoring they do have the second worst record in the division, only matched by their opponents. A win much needed to help them move clear of the relegation spots.
Unbeaten in their last two outings, Buccaneers are certainly on a mission to turn their fortunes around. Still bottom despite those performances in recent weeks against Queens and Wesley, the Pirates are three behind Garryowen and if they can plunder some points against Naas this weekend could we see them jump out of the bottom for the first time this season.
Queens University v Highfield, Saturday December 2nd, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
Queens and Highfield have both lost ground in recent weeks, little separates them from the top four and little may separate them in this one also.
The Ulster students return to the Dub after defeat to UCC last time out a game they led and then let slip in the finish. A third straight defeat for them, it is hard however to completely write them off as they still possess every gram of quality needed to excel in this division. If they can overcome the challenge of Highfield this weekend it will go a long way for their hopes of making 1A next season.
Highfield also following three defeats in a row slipped to fifth and look to return to winning ways and put pressure on neighbours UCC. 15, 26 and 4 were the losing margins to Belvedere, Mary’s and UCC in their last outings, they had a strong start but have entered a slump since that UCC contest in round four, can they end that lull of form and mount another top four challenge.
St Mary’s College v Old Belvedere, Saturday December 2nd, Templeville Road, 2:30pm
The only all top four clash this weekend and what a game it will be, Mary’s and Belvedere in an all Dublin classic at Templeville Road.
St Mary’s have set the pace in 1B after six rounds of action and look to continue that once again against their Dublin neighbours. Six wins all bringing bonus points with them, they are dominant and have some incredible quality within this team. Mick O’Gara has a wand of a boot and can also bring tries, he is the division’s second highest scorer while Daniel Sancery is a major try threat.
Belvedere have won three of their last four meetings with Mary’s and are four games unbeaten coming into this meeting. Having lost their opening two games, Belvo are revitalised in recent weeks and bring hunger and pedigree with them in this side. Entertaining and also an immovable force when they get going at times, they are looking to eclipse last season’s finish.
Old Wesley v UCC, Saturday December 2nd, Energia Park, 3pm
In the slightly later game in 1B, UCC travel to the capital looking to preserve their status in the top four at the expense of Old Wesley.
Wesley remain second from bottom, take their three point deduction away and they would be sixth and this game would be all about the top four. Instead for them this is a game they need to win, not only to leave the drop zones, but also to end a three game losing streak. Defeat to Buccs was narrow two weeks ago and they need to find their feet once again to press on in the division.
UCC took victory when they came to Energia Park last January and are out to continue that this season based on their recent form. Taking three wins from their last five, some ferocious battles have seen UCC well weathered in recent weeks. Two point winners over Queens, four over their neighbours Highfield, while in terms of their two defeats, five was the margin to Belvedere and six to Mary’s. Daniel Squires is the division’s top scorer and has been a serious campaigner for UCC this term.
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.