Just three rounds left after this weekend and some incredibly tough games on the cards, UL Bohemian meeting Blackrock in the game of the weekend. Railway Union and Old Belvedere aim to be in contention to make a final this year.
Blackrock College v UL Bohemian, Saturday March 9th, Stradbrook, 1pm
A massive meeting at Stradbrook with UL Bohemian putting their unbeaten streak on the line as they meet defending champions Blackrock.
The hosts need a win to stay in the hunt to make this year’s final, with the two top places the only route to a final, behind by 11 points to Railway in second, they need to claw back the gap. A squad still missing some key players, they narrowly lost to Galwegians last weekend and need to be much sharper to defeat UL.
Unbeaten in their last 12 games in the league, the Robins have also won their last three games against Blackrock in all competitions. Fiona Hayes side had players put with the Clovers last weekend and injuries did see them miss players going to Belfast last time out but they showed their class to defeat Cooke. UL if they can get some key players back would be seen as the favourites here.
Old Belvedere v Galwegians, Saturday March 9th, Ollie Campbell Park, 2pm
Building a streak since the league got back underway, Old Belvedere are still in the race for the final and need to keep the points coming, Galwegians backed by a win last weekend could prove a tough nut to crack.
Third placed Belvo are a single point behind Railway for second spot. Running in seven tries last time out showed their strength in all areas of the pitch, sharp and playing some attractive rugby they look confident of late and aim to be in those final places come April. If they can get their key scorers, notably Emma Tilly on the ball they have some serious options for scores.
Galwegians grabbed their first league win since early December last time out and may have found the spark to end the year further up the table. Just their third win of the campaign, the Blue Belles have certainly found the going tough this year and are still a strong outfit regardless of forn. Belvo left Crowley Park with a 33-19 win in October, they will want the same this weekend.
Suttonians v Cooke, Saturday March 9th, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds, 2pm
Form is not on the side of either Suttonians or Cooke of late, both wanting to build on in these final weeks of action.
Sutts have gotten wins from walkovers and also given a few walkovers in recent weeks as they have battled with injuries and losing key players in their ranks. A squad of 19 took on Belvo last weekend and certainly gave them a test but in the end lost 39-12. Back to back home games and a chance at redemption to take a fifth win of the season.
Cooke have lost their last four games including the Plate final and having looked like they turned a screw have suffered 20+ point margin defeats in their last three outings. Strong and gifted in plenty areas of the field, they will want to end this year on a high as they continue to develop. Basement side is not the honour they want come the end of the season.
Ballincollig v Railway Union, Saturday March 9th, Tanner Park, 3pm
Second placed Railway are well rested having not played since the 17th of February and will be looking for a strong return to keep them firmly enroute to the Divisional decider.
Ballincollig looked to be in good shape in the second part of the season but suffered defeat in Wicklow last weekend despite putting in a serious performance. Despite showing their strength in recent weeks, the side has lost their last four meetings with Railway in one-sided affairs. They will aim to be a lot more competitive this weekend.
Having suffered defeat in pursuit of silverware already this year, Railway will not want to slip up as Belvedere are just behind and with the pair meeting in Round 16 want to keep this winning run going. Railway have had a varied squad this year and will still be missing some regulars this weekend, despite that they look as strong as always.
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.