With UL Bohemians not in action this weekend, the top four will take centre stage as Railway Union, Belvedere, Blackrock all hope to make strides this weekend.
Blackrock College v Ballincollig, Saturday November 11th, Stradbrook, 5pm
After returning to winning ways last weekend Blackrock are out to keep pushing further up the standings as they host Ballincollig.
It was another high scoring performance for Blackrock and one that made up for their winning streak ending a week prior. Strong showings once again from Shannon Heapes, Catherine Martin, and Hannah O’Connor to name but a few along with Abby Moyles efficient from the tee had Rock at their sparkling best and will hope for a similar performance this weekend.
Ballincollig have certainly impressed to occupy a spot in the top four for a time but after two heavy defeats to top four clubs they have moved down to fifth in the table. Struggling to score combined with an onslaught from Railway and UL Bohs in recent weeks now sees them needing to turn that around to keep their early push intact, each of their last three meetings have come on the losing front against Blackrock, a 36 point margin the lowest deficit in recent meetings.
Cooke v Wicklow, Saturday November 11th, Clement Wilson Park, 5pm
This meeting in Clement Wilson Park is a big chance for both to score a first win of the campaign, these sides will see this as a contest either can win.
Cooke could well see their losing streak extend to 14 games unless they get a result on home soil this weekend. It has been tough times for the Ulster contingent trying to get points on the board and this campaign has seen them face some heavy defeats. Their last three games have seen a losing margin of 40 plus points and only once this season have we seen them be largely competitive. Can the streak end this weekend?
Wicklow are another side that have failed to score a win in this season’s campaign and come into the tie rested having had their tie postponed last weekend due to an unplayable surface. Having impressed last season to take the Conference title, Wicklow have just a point on the board after four games, coming from a losing bonus result against Ballincollig. Which of these two can take the points on offer this weekend.
Galwegians v Suttonians, Saturday November 11th, Crowley Park, 5pm
Having not played a game in three weeks, Galwegians are back in action looking to avoid a sixth defeat in a row in the division.
The Galway side have struggled so far this term, only scoring just 41 points in the opening five rounds of the division while shipping 258 points at the other end. Could they turn that around this weekend, they have had quite the battles with Sutts, winning three and suffering defeat twice.
Suttonians certainly gave Blackrock a test last weekend but failed to get enough scores on the board to change an outcome determined in the end by half time. A fourth loss of the campaign now for the Dublin outfit, against a side with no points at the bottom of the table, they will fancy their chances.
Railway Union v Old Belvedere, Saturday November 11th, Ashtown Lane, 5pm
The game of the weekend will take place in Ashtown Lane as Railway meet Belvedere in an all Dublin affair. Neither side can top the standings with a result in this tie.
Railway have an extra rest period to go into this contest on home soil, having had their game last weekend fall ill of the weather. Railway still remain unbeaten after four games and for the first occasion this season they meet a “top four” club. Aimee Clarke, Niamh Byrne, Ava Ryder, Nikki Caughey and Ailsa Hughes bring experience and scores in their attack, while veteran Lindsay Peat continues to shepherd the Railway forwards from the number 8 role.
Belvedere are on a solid run of momentum still their opening day setback to Blackrock. Wins over Wicklow, Suttonians, Galwegians and most recently Cooke have formed a four game winning run that they aim will not come to an end in the round this weekend. Jemma Farrell is leading the scoring charts for Belvo and her boot will be a key asset for her side. Jess Keating, Emma Tilly and Minnona Nunstedt have all scored vital tries in recent weeks.
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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.