In the penultimate round of action in All-Ireland Division 1B, the action is heating up with important games at the top and bottom of the table. Just five points separate the top two, City of Armagh and Old Belvedere, while only eight points split the bottom three.
Old Belvedere V Banbridge, Sat 1st April, Ollie Campbell Park, 2pm
Second place Old Belvedere will need points to secure their highest place possible while Banbridge in ninth urgently need points to escape the drop or a relegation playoff.
Old Belvedere lost 25-17 last time out against Naas while Banbridge secured a vital 35-29 win over Malone.
City of Armagh V UCC, Sat 1st April, Palace Grounds, 2:30pm
Table toppers City of Armagh are five points clear and will seal top spot with a bonus point but face a UCC side who are desperate for points being just four points above the drop.
City of Armagh lost 13-6 away at Old Wesley last weekend while UCC lost out 40-32 at St Mary’s College.
Highfield V Naas, Sat 1st April, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
Fourth place Highfield have all but secured a top four finish and face a Naas side who secured their place in next year’s Division 1B last weekend.
Seventh place Naas secured a 25-17 win last time out while Highfield also were victorious 27-7 against the Buccaneers.
Malone V St Mary’s College, Sat 1st April, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
Bottom side Malone are desperate for points and have to win to keep alive their faint hopes of escaping the drop.
St Mary’s College are in sixth and could finish as high as fifth if they win on Saturday.
Last time out, Malone were beaten 35-29 by Banbridge and St Mary’s College beat UCC 40-32.
Old Wesley V Buccaneers, Sat 1st April, Energia Park, 2:30pm
Mid-table Old Wesley have an outside chance of surpassing Highfield and breaking into the top four while the Buccaneers in third, have a slim chance of finishing top trailing league leaders City of Armagh by six points.
Last weekend’s action saw Old Wesley beat City of Armagh 13-6 and the Buccaneers lost 27-7 at home to Highfield.
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.