After last weekend’s resumption, Queens University hope to remain at the top of 2A as Blackrock and Cashel again lock horns to see another shift in the title race.
Old Crescent V Dolphin, Saturday January 14th, Takumi Park, 1:30pm
Old Crescent bid to record another win on the spin after the Christmas break they host Dolphin in a Munster derby on Shannonside.
A late Ronan McKenna try ensured that Old Crescent ended 2023 on a high, they had taken up sixth spot but last week’s results dropped them down a spot, in the reverse fixture they showed resilience to comeback and that mentality only benefits them ahead of this weekend’s showdown.
Dolphin are seven points outside of the relegation zone and will look to claw back that deficit after producing a great performance in that 31-28 defeat last time out, they need to hold out if they want to build a lead and not allow further defeat.
Blackrock College V Cashel, Saturday January 14th, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
After last week’s draw Blackrock found themselves down in second place after Queens leapfrogged them on score difference, back on home soil they are out to return to the summit.
Blackrock need a late score to draw last weekend in Tipperary which keeps them in the title race but it could have been a 50/50 result for their title hopes, had they lost Queens gain ground, a win would have seen them move ahead but they will have to put in a more controlled performance to defeat a strong Cashel side.
It was a great comeback by Cashel to come within a whisker of a big win last time out and see them move higher up the table, but it was just not to be, now they get a second chance at trying to overcome Rock and will have the ambition needed.
MU Barnhall V UL Bohemian, Saturday January 14th, Parsonstown, 2:30pm
UL Bohs put in a big shift last weekend to claim their first win of the season, this time around they will hope for a second win on the trot.
Barnhall remained in fourth despite the defeat last weekend by virtue of score difference, but have Nenagh level behind them and they now need to keep onto fourth spot by getting a win this time around.
Despite last week’s win the Limerick natives are still bottom two points off Dolphin, if they get another win it would move them into ninth spot as they try to overcome a relegation battle, it really is all to play for as far as they are concerned.
Navan V Nenagh Ormond, Saturday January 14th, Balreask Old, 2:30pm
Nenagh’s dominant display against Navan last weekend has them just outside the top four, as they travel hoping for another win on the trot.
Early on they looked comfortable in the top four but now down in sixth, it has been a struggle for Navan of late, one win in their last fives they need some better fortune and a win over Nenagh is a must.
Ormond look to take last week’s result and copy and paste it as they travel up the country, with Barnhall in action they know score difference or bonus points can see them into the top four.
Queens University V Ballymena, Saturday January 14th, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
Queens took last week’s opportunity at going top by overcoming Ballymena and now look to put in a similar showing to remain the leaders.
Queens showed their ability as champions elect with a strong second half showing to get the result last weekend, leading 14-12 at the break, they controlled the second half and will be out to defeat their Ulster counterparts as that title race really gets interesting.
Ballymena have toppled down the table to eight spot with just one win in five they need some change to get them out of a relegation battle, they looked composed in the first half last weekend but struggled to get the outcome in the end.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.