Unpredictable is the word that springs to mind when thinking of AIL 1B and it’s certainly proving true already after just a couple of rounds. The big question on everyone’s lips this week is, will we see former Irish International Sean O’Brien make his Naas debut in Ollie Campbell Park this weekend.
Old Belvedere V Naas, Saturday Oct 15th, Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
It feels fitting to start at the game happening in south Dublin this weekend. Both teams were on the wrong side of close results last time out. A big reaction will be wanted by both coaches especially from Johny Murphy, his men are still yet to get their first win of the campaign. Will he unleash their trump card Sean O’Brien or will we have to be patient for his entrance.
There is a real sense of a new age in ‘Belvo this season, with a very young squad full of talented players who were part of that successful u20’s team, the future looks bright. The addition of ex Trinity out-half Mick O’Kennedy is a great bonus. They would have been disappointed not to come away with a result away to Banbridge. Away form is something that they’ve struggled with in times gone by. Their focus will be on making it two wins from the opening block of three games heading into the week break.
It’s been a tough start to the competition for last season’s runners up. A heavy defeat 35-7 to Old Wesley in round 1 was followed up with a close 22-24 defeat at home to Highfield. Oscar Cawley made a huge impact when he came off the bench against Highfield, scoring two tries. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not he has worked his way into the starting line-up. The news of Sean O’Brien joining the club last week definitely gave them all a lift, but how often he’ll be involved will be interesting to see.
Highfield V Buccaneers, Saturday Oct 15th, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
This game has its own case for being the game of the week, Highfield look like they’ll be a driving force at the top end of the 1B table yet again, with two wins from their opening couple of contests. ‘Buccs put any questions of their suitability in 1B to bed with a big and somewhat shock 35-7 win over last term’s pacesetters Old Wesley.
In the last few seasons, the Cork team have been consistently good in 1B and the win away at Forenaughts suggests it’s not going to be any different this season. Centre Cian Bohane has scored a bunch of tries already in a couple of eye-catching performances.
Eddie O’Sullivan’s Buccaneers got a win under their belts at home in Athlone, proving that they intend to push on following last year’s promotion from 2A. They definitely made the rest of 1B take note after that victory, will they be able to back it up away to Highfield? It’s a completely different task altogether, making for what should be a very interesting game of rugby.
University College Cork V St Mary’s College, Saturday Oct 15th, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
One sure thing about this league is that the competitive games come thick and fast and we have another one on our hands here.
It’s a battle between Michael Bradley and Sean Cronin in the rebel county. Both teams come into the match with some momentum after picking up the points in their last games. The students are one of only two teams that remain unbeaten and they’ll be hoping that can continue, but will Mary’s upset the apple cart.
City of Armagh V Old Wesley, Saturday Oct 15th, Palace Grounds, 2:30pm
City of Armagh will be trying to make the Palace Grounds a fortress this season. They’ll be aiming to get their second win in three games against a hurting Old Wesley who we can expect will give a big reaction following last week’s heavy defeat.
There were always questions surrounding Old Wesley heading into the season, how good will they be? Can they get over the disappointed of last season semi final defeat? Will they be able to be as dominant following the few players they’ve lost? At this point, it’s far too early to tell, but they need a confidence boaster up north.
This Armagh team is well able to mix it with the best of them. They play good rugby and will definitely fancy their chances of getting the win.
Malone V Banbridge, Saturday Oct 15th, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
It’s an Ulster derby in Gibson Park as Malone welcome Banbridge to Gibson Park.
Banbridge got that tight 14-13 win over Old Belvedere in round 2. They’ll be looking to build off that.
Malone look like they could really struggle this season and they’ll be hoping to get a win on the board.
