Two heavyweight tussles in the Women’s Division this weekend to headline the card, UL Bohemians take on Old Belvedere while Railway Union entertain Blackrock College.
Ballincollig v Galwegians, Saturday December 2nd, Tanner Park, 3pm
Having lost their last four fixtures in the division, Ballincollig will be out to end that against Galwegians on home soil this weekend.
Facing each of the “Top Four” in the division in recent weeks, Ballincollig struggled to take the points and in their last two fixtures failed to score. They did win the reverse fixture back in September 25-12 on the opening day against a much changed Wegians. It was a first win in three games, can they extend that now this weekend and get confidence back into their group.
Galwegians finally scored a win two weeks ago on the road and will be looking to build from that this weekend as they head to Cork. Moving them off bottom for the first time this season, will this next half of the season prove much better for them. Having built well over the years they have lost a lot of players this season but has that result over Wicklow done enough to help them in the long run.
Old Belvedere v UL Bohemian, Saturday December 2nd, Ollie Campbell Park, 3pm
On a weekend dominated by meetings in the top four, UL Bohs unbeaten streak is on the line as they travel to Dublin to meet Belvedere.
With Belvedere unbeaten since the opening round they look very strong, Dannah O’Brien is back in their ranks having returned two weeks ago and kicked five conversions in the process. Jemma Farrell remains the clubs top scorer having taken the kicking duties in her absence, Emma Tilly, Katie Corrigan and Jess Keating bring a savage try threat in this Belvo team.
Seven straight wins have UL setting the pace so far this season, as we hit the midway point this weekend, can they keep that strong start going with a break to come after the following weekend. UL were tested by Railway last weekend, their toughest test this campaign, getting over the line thanks in part to their dominant forwards and Kate Flannery. Flannery has 68 points for the campaign so far this year, while the rest of their squad has a host of talents, Chisom Ugwueru and Clara Barrett suffered knocks last time out but look to be back this weekend.
Railway Union v Blackrock College, Saturday December 2nd, Park Avenue, 4:30pm
A rematch of last season’s final is a mouth watering fixture this weekend, with second placed Blackrock travelling to meet their city neighbours Railway Union.
Railway have had little rest since that game with UL having to play Wicklow last weekend which they won convincingly, now they meet Blackrock which will certainly be a tough battle. Certainly a boost of confidence for Railway having lost their last two meetings prior to last weekend a welcome return to the starters for Niamh Byrne who came on against UL a week earlier. Will Railway avenge their two defeats last season to Rock this weekend?.
Just one defeat for the holders this season against UL Bohs, they have looked strong and with some international pedigree back in their ranks, they look even stronger. Aoife Wafer’s return in recent weeks was a big one bagging a hat trick last time out, Dorothy Wall, Meabh Deely and Christy Haney are all back to bring some experience to this Rock side.
Suttonians v Wicklow RFC, Saturday December 2nd, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds, 5pm
Looking to continue their winning ways, Suttonians face Wicklow this weekend, who in turn are out of form coming into this one.
Sutts have three wins on the board from their opening seven games this season and now look to get another strong win under their belts on the midway mark. While the club has no one standout player so far, Mary Healy and Leomie Kloppers are the leading scorers with three tries each. Lauren Farrell McCabe has played in varied roles this season and brings plenty to this Suttonians team.
Winning two of their four previous meetings, both their most recent outings, Wicklow will have a degree of confidence they can get back to winning ways against their fellow Leinster side in this provincial derby. In their first season they did suffer a 36-6 defeat here and will not want a repeat this weekend. Coming off a two game losing streak, it’s all about results now and Wicklow will turn to Saoirse O’Reilly and Beth Roberts to bring scores.
More Info on the Women’s Division here.
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.