The all Dublin meeting of St Mary’s College and Blackrock College is the standout tie in 1B this weekend, outside of the top two in action, the top four race and a skirmish at the bottom can also make for interesting viewing.
Buccaneers v Garryowen, Saturday December 9th, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
Garryowen got a much needed win last weekend and will be out to keep that momentum going for a push at the play-offs as they meet bottom placed Buccs.
The woes for the Athlone men continued last weekend with a fifth loss of the campaign but they gave it a shot for sure. Buccs had been resurgent in recent weeks defeating Queens and Wesley to clock points on the board but just could not overcome the deficit against Nass, losing by six in the end. It has been a tough season so far for them, could we see a big result land their way in this one.
Contrast for Garryowen was the Limerick men ended their two game losing streak last weekend with a stunning 32-26 win over Blackrock. A result that was not only a statement for them, also could give them renewed ambitions of jumping up to 1A once again. It all starts this weekend, if they do the right job here they are in with a shot.
Highfield v Old Wesley, Saturday December 9th, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
Last weekend proved fruitful for both teams, Highfield moved to fourth and Wesley jumped out of the relegation zone, who will build on those results this weekend.
Highfield had hit a rough patch of late but defeating Queens at the weekend does give them a restoration of confidence ahead of this meeting with Wesley. Certainly at the beginning of the season they looked a contender but slumped to three defeats in a row and managed to turn it around in Belfast. Back on home soil can they replicate the performance from back in March and take points from Wesley.
The Dubliners tackled one Cork team last weekend in UCC and now it’s the neighbours on their home turf. Narrowly getting past UCC 27-26 like Highfield it was a restoration of confidence as they had lost three prior to their recent meeting. Wesley are narrowly ahead of Queens, 19 points on score difference the only difference. Both have tough games but it could all come down to that this weekend if they suffer defeat alongside Queens.
Old Belvedere v Queens University, Saturday December 9th, Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
With plenty of opposition gearing a charge behind for the play-off places, Belvedere look to bounce back from last weekend’s setback as they welcome Queens to Ollie Campbell Park.
Belvedere were searching for a fifth straight win last weekend against Mary’s but the powerful leaders just had more to give in the end. From losing their opening two fixtures however the Dubliners certainly turned it around and will remain a contender for promotion like last year for sure. The gap to the leaders but they need to keep a look over their shoulders rather than what’s ahead to remain in contention.
Queens are narrowly in the relegation zone following a fourth loss in succession, can they turn that around as they head down the M1. Wins over Naas and Garryowen are the only positive outcomes they have had this season since ascending as 2A champions. Still they have to be treated with a degree of caution as despite losing five games, they can put in some serious performances and bring plenty of pedigree.
St Mary’s College v Blackrock College, Saturday December 9th, Templeville Road, 2:30pm
A meeting of the division’s top two certainly front’s the billing this weekend at Templeville Road and will have the Irish Rugby TV cameras to document all the action.
Mary’s will be favourites as they have built an 11 point lead at the summit. Seven bonus point wins in succession, they have steamrolled through teams and bring some serious threat everywhere they go. A scorching attack, the best in 1A, combined with a strong defence, also the best in 1B, they are serious contenders and look like continuing this run unless Rock can do what nobody else has.
For the first time since the 2015-16 season Blackrock will meet their Dubliners neighbours in the AIL, both once again fighting it out in 1B. A win for Rock is a must to claw back the 11 point gap developed between the top two in the standings, form has been good for them winning three from five, not the ideal run dealing with an unbeaten side sat above however. They will be strong in this one to bounce back from defeat last time out.
UCC v Naas, Saturday December 9th, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
One of these teams could end up in fourth spot should Highfield lose their meeting on Saturday.
UCC need a win should Highfield lose or a bonus win if they snatch a draw to move into fourth spot. Two wins in their last five has seen them have varied form but the recent defeat to Wesley is one they will feel should have gone their way, losing by a point in the finish. Not only did they lose that one but Daniel Squires picked up an injury and could be a doubt for this one. He has been a serious campaigner this season but they have plenty of names to call upon should Squires not feature.
Naas won both meetings last season and following their win at the weekend will have confidence coming into the meeting at The Mardyke. The Kildare men also have two wins from their last five and like UCC sit just a couple of points away from the play-offs. Donal Conroy remains one of the best try scorers in the division with Jack and Charlie Sheridan also on hand to cross the whitewash for their side.
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.