With just four games to go in Division 1B, the race to make the playoffs is heating up with just one point separating first place City of Armagh and second Buccaneers, while there’s only nine points separating the three bottom sides UCC, Banbridge and Malone.
City of Armagh V St Mary’s College RFC, Saturday 4th March, Energia Park, 2:30pm
Mid-table St Mary’s College have won just six of their 14 games and visit the table toppers who have lost only three times this season.
The home side have secured more bonus points (eight) than any other team but in the reverse fixture St Mary’s College ran out 39-22 at Templeville Road.
City of Armagh come into the game off the back of a 23-21 win over Highfield while St Mary’s College beat Banbridge 26-21.
Highfield V Old Wesley, Saturday 4th March, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
Fourth place Highfield have impressed this season ahead of the play offs with eight wins this season while Old Wesley are just two points and one place behind.
Highfield fell to a narrow 23-21 loss at home to City of Armagh and Old Wesley were beaten 35-31 by Old Belvedere.
When the two teams last met Old Wesley ran out 6-5 winners in a cagey game at Energia Park.
Malone V Naas, Saturday 4th March, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
Basement side Malone have picked up just two wins this term and their opponents Naas are in seventh with six wins.
Last time out Malone were edged 27-24 by the Buccaneers while Naas beat UCC 34-28 in an impressive performance.
In the reverse fixture, Naas secured a comfortable 38-24 victory.
Old Belvedere V Buccaneers, Saturday 4th March, Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
Two teams that have had impressive AIL seasons meet on Saturday in the pick of the games in the round this weekend.
Third place Old Belvedere have won 10 games this season, one fewer than Buccaneers who are four points clear in second.
Old Belvedere beat Old Wesley 35-31 and Buccaneers saw off Malone 27-24 last weekend.
When the two teams met earlier in the season, Buccaneers ran out 24-13 winners.
UCC V Banbridge, Saturday 4th March, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
In a crucial encounter at the bottom, eighth place UCC host ninth spot Banbridge with both sides desperate for points in order to survive.
UCC were beaten 34-28 by Naas, while Banbridge suffered a 26-21 reverse at home to St Mary’s College.
In the reverse fixture, UCC beat Banbridge 32-21.
Ben Jaycock
I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.