Following a week’s break, the Women’s Division of the Energia All Ireland League returns this week with four games down for decision. Fourth spot will be a closely fought battle this weekend, Old Belvedere, Galwegians and Wicklow can all stake their claim in this Round of action.
Tullow v Blackrock College, Saturday December 7th, The Black Gates, 4pm
Bottom placed Tullow chase history once again on Saturday, as they look to record their first win as an All Ireland League team, Blackrock provide the opposition.
It will be another tough ask for Tullow this weekend to end their losing run but they still have the confidence to put in a competitive performance. After two shutouts they grabbed two tries last time out to Suttonians and aim to kick on now and get those historic first points.
Blackrock have secured their spot in the top four, the aim now will be to stay there and they do not want to drop points this weekend. A first trip for them to Tullow and one they hope can result in a fifth game unbeaten.
Cooke v Railway Union, Saturday December 7th, Shaw’s Bridge, 5pm
Leaders Railway Union travel North hoping to be Queen’s in the North and continue their impressive unbeaten run to start the season. Cooke looking to end their losing streak in the process.
A first run out for Cooke in three weeks now, they are well rested and are hoping for a much improved result this time around. Cooke have managed to not score in their last three outings, their last game putting scores on the board came in late October in defeat away to Galwegians. A loss here would be their fifth in succession.
Mike South’s Railway have been flying it so far this season and with an impressive unbeaten run under their belts, they show no signs of stopping. It is full steam ahead for Railway, with Amanda Berta and Lindsay Peat leading the charge in the top scoring department. Last year’s beaten finalists have put the league on notice this year and aim to keep this form going.
Old Belvedere v Galwegians, Saturday December 7th, Ollie Campbell Park, 5pm
Having turned their season very much around in recent weeks, Old Belvedere are back in the top four and will have to pick up another win this weekend to keep Galwegians and Wicklow at bay.
Belvo have been very impressive in recent weeks, Tania Rosser’s charges are four games unbeaten and really have confidence on their side going into this weekend’s clash. Megan Edwards has been their top scorer thus far, crossing for nine tries in her seven appearances to date.
Wegians are looking to end their three game losing streak this weekend. Jack Clarke’s charges have battled well so far this season but look to kick back into gear during this tough recent run of fixtures. A game of two teams with contrasting form, with the IrishRugby+ cameras in the capital, it could make for an interesting tie.
Wicklow v Ballincollig, Saturday December 7th, Ashtown Lane, 5pm
Two sides looking to break their recent losing streaks clash in a massive game for both, Wicklow hoping to keep chasing for top four, while Ballincollig look to increase their gap from the foot of the table.
With home advantage, Wicklow will be hopeful of replicating their result last March where they defeated Collig on home soil. After starting the season in strong fashion with three wins in succession, the recent run of fixtures saw Wicklow suffer four straight defeats. The homework is done and now they look to put it into practice.
Collig due to weather have not played a game in three weeks and make the trip to Wicklow hopeful of picking up a first win at this venue since January 2022. Form is not on the side of the Cork outfit either going into this game, they have lost their last three and are hopeful of turning this around this weekend.
UL Bohemian 28-0 Suttonians, Annacotty
UL Bohemian were awarded a walkover bonus point win by Suttonians, Suttonians were deducted five points as a result of conceding the tie.
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.