Every week in 1B is very interesting and each round always throws up some interesting fixtures. Eddie O’Sullivan’s Buccaneers are the team to beat at the top of the table. There’s a massive derby in both Dublin and Cork this weekend.
Old Wesley V St Mary’s College, Sat December 3rd, Energia, 5pm
It is a 5 o’clock kick off for this eagerly anticipated Dublin Derby. It’s D4 vs D6 and its 4th against 3rd it should be a cracker.
The hosts will be keen to build on that good win last week against UCC by backing it up with another big result this weekend. Finding consistent form is something they’ll need if they’re going to stay in those top 4 spots.
Sean Cronin would have been disappointed with their defeat to Buccaneers in the last round. They’ll want to finish the year on a high with two good displays in the next two games. Wins will keep them right in the mix at the top of the table.
Naas V City of Armagh, Sat December 3rd, Palace Grounds, 2:30pm
This is a real game of the week contender. These are two teams that love to play an exciting brand of rugby and it could be a high scoring game.
City of Armagh have arguably been the dark horses of the league campaign so far. They currently sit 2nd, only being beaten in two games and they’ve been flawless at home in the Palace Grounds.
Johne Murphy is probably a little bit frustrated with some of his team’s results this season. A poor 2nd half display last week cost them the game against Banbridge. They need to get back to winning ways this weekend or else they face the possibility of slipping further down the table.
Highfield V UCC, Sat December 3rd, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
It’s a big derby in the rebel county this weekend between two teams that are desperate to get a much-needed win.
It’s really been the story of almost two halves this season for UCC, they didn’t put a foot wrong in their opening four games, but they’ve really struggled in the last three contests, slipping outside the top four for the first time in the season last week.
Like their opponents, Highfield started the season very well, but since those opening wins in the first two games, they haven’t been able to find that consistency. It makes for a huge derby game where the crowd will definitely be out in force.
Old Belvedere V Malone, Sat December 3rd, Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
Nearer the bottom end of the table, this is a crucial game for two teams that haven’t really found form yet.
Old Belvedere haven’t registered a win since round 5 against Old Wesley, but one positive for them is that they’re back home in Ollie Campbell Park somewhere they’re yet to lose this season.
Malone would have got a boost after last week’s win over Highfield. A win on the road this weekend could lift them off the bottom of the table.
Buccaneers V Banbridge, Sat December 3rd, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
Buccaneers will look to make it seven wins on the trot when they welcome Banbridge on Saturday.
Can Banbridge provide the shock of the round and beat the Athlone men.
