Another busy week of action from the Women’s Division of the Energia All Ireland League is on the cards this weekend. Leaders Railway Union travel to bottom placed Tullow for their first meeting.
Blackrock College v Cooke, Saturday November 9th, Stradbrook, 5pm
Blackrock College will be looking to build on from their win two weeks ago away to Wicklow and continue to mount charge for the top four. They host second from bottom Cooke.
Two wins and two defeats for the Stradbrook faithful to start the new season, they have not been able to get a winning run under the belt so far this season, they are favoured to pick up the points here, a strong history against Cooke is positive but they still have to be wary of their opponents.
Cooke are coming into this tie off the back of two heavy defeats, the latter on home soil was a tough one. Cooke can still be a handful for any team in this Division and will be looking to end that losing streak away in Stradbrook this weekend.
Old Belvedere v Wicklow, Saturday November 9th, Ollie Campbell Park, 5pm
Securing their first win of the season two weeks ago, Old Belvedere hope that is the spark to move them further up the table having ended a three game losing streak. Wicklow, sitting in third started well and look to bounce back from defeat last time out.
It was an impressive win by Belvo last time out, crossing for six tries in a high scoring win on the road against Ballincollig. Tania Rosser’s charges can build a lot from the positives of that performance as they look to pick up more wins as the weeks tick by.
Wicklow have had quite the different start to the season than 12 months prior, with three wins this season already, they are favoured to take the points in this clash based on form. Form that has seen Wicklow have the joint-second best defensive record so far this season, Jason Moreton’s charges are also potent in attack.
Suttonians v Galwegians, Saturday November 9th, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds, 5pm
Galwegians will be looking to secure their first away win of the season this weekend, after claiming three wins on home soil to start the season. Suttonians meanwhile look for a first win in three games.
Sutts started strong with a win and draw in their opening fixtures, but have suffered two consecutive defeats since, putting them seventh in the standings. Colin Keogh’s side defeated Galwegians twice last season, and will look to return to winning ways if that form can return.
Wegians however are much improved from last season and despite losing their first away trip of the season, they are well up for the fight this weekend. Off the back of two impressive home wins over Cooke and Tullow, Jack Clarke’s charges have plenty of confidence.
Tullow v Railway Union, Saturday November 9th, The Black Gates, 5pm
Top plays bottom at The Black Gates as newcomers Tullow welcome Railway this Saturday evening.
The newcomers certainly have a massive test on their hands this weekend, as the beaten finalists from last season are looking to continue their forward charge. It will be a game Tullow will be massive underdogs in, but one they will look to fight in having dropped to bottom of the standings two weeks ago.
Mike South’s charges have the first of two away trips this weekend, a first one to take on Tullow in The Black Gates. The leaders put 77 points on the board last weekend, storming to a fourth straight win of the season, they are out to make it five this weekend.
UL Bohemian v Ballincollig, Saturday November 9th, UL 4G, 5pm
Munster Derby day in Limerick this Saturday as UL Bohemian take on Ballincollig. Hoping to keep the chase to leaders Railway, the hosts are out to secure the win.
Fiona Hayes’s charges were at their sparkling best in tough conditions away to Cooke two weeks ago, crossing for 16 tries in a 95-0 win. Chisom Ugwueru crossed for six of those tries and is named to start while they have made some personnel changes to freshen up the lineup.
Collig were defeated by 30 points at home to Belvo two weeks ago, and now travel to Limerick hoping to bounce back and grab a second win of the season. Back in March, the Cork side lost 41-7 when they played Bohs last, they look to change that record this weekend.
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.