AIL Preview: Division 1B Week 18

The final round of All-Ireland Division 1B is upon us with permutations at the top and bottom of the table. Old Belvedere, Highfield and Buccaneers will be fighting out for a promotion playoff while it’s do or die at the bottom for UCC, Banbridge and Malone.

Banbridge V Highfield, Sat 15th April, Rifle Park, 2:30pm

An important game for two teams with contrasting fortunes as ninth place Banbridge two points from safety face third place Highfield who are one point off second place and a promotion playoff.

Banbridge drew 27-27 last time out away at Old Belvedere while Highfield secured a vital 21-7 win over Naas.

In the previous meeting on the opening day of the season, Highfield beat Banbridge 26-20.

Buccaneers V City of Armagh, Sat 15th April, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm

Buccaneers have an outside shot at second place with them lying in fourth, trailing by four points while top spot City of Armagh have already secured the title and promotion.

Buccaneers fell to a disappointing 40-10 loss at Old Wesley while City of Armagh were crowned champions after a 24-20 win at home to UCC.

When the two teams last met, City of Armagh ran out 22-20 winners.

Naas V Old Wesley, Sat 15th April, Forenaughts, 2:30pm

Seventh place Naas are safe from relegation and face Old Wesley who lie in fifth.

Naas were well beaten by Highfield last time out while Old Wesley stormed past the Buccaneers.

In the reverse fixture, Old Wesley beat Naas 37-7. 

St Mary’s College V Old Belvedere, Sat 15th April, Templeville Road, 2:30pm

Sixth place St Mary’s College face Old Belvedere who will be hoping to remain in second place by the end of the day.

St Mary’s College lost 29-13 to Malone last time out while Old Belvedere drew with Banbridge.

Old Belvedere won 32-28 the last time the two teams faced off.

UCC V Malone, Sat 15th April, Mardyke, 2:30pm 

It’s a relegation ‘six-pointer’ as eighth place UCC are clinging onto their league position for their lives, two points above the drop zone while bottom side Malone are two points from giving their season a lifeline with a relegation playoff or four points from sealing safety.

Last time out, UCC lost narrowly to City of Armagh while Malone beat St Mary’s College 29-13.

In the previous meeting, UCC were away winners 36-12 at Gibson Park.

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.

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