Week four of the Women’s AIL Division, promises to serve up another feast of rugby action, with the meeting of Blackrock College and Galwegians the standout tie.
Suttonians V Railway Union, Saturday October 8th, 3pm, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds
It may not be the most high profile game at the weekend, but to start the day off Sutts and Railway Union will for sure be a real dogfight. Union will make the short jaunt to take on their Dublin rivals unbeaten after two games, two bonus points also to their name.
Suttonians have yet to benefit from a real break, they had one enforced as the Cooke game was rescheduled due to Queen Elizabeth’s passing, they just about managed to get out of dodge in that tie last week, their fourth game of the year could well be the most difficult.
Ballincollig V Wicklow, Saturday October 8th, 5pm, Tanner Park
A real chance at a first win of the year for Wicklow, could be on the cards taking on a struggling Ballincollig. With some pretty heavy defeats already, Ballincollig will aim to find some form this weekend.
Ella Robets has been superb for the Wicklow outfit, given space to exploit this weekend may for sure give her the chance to put up scores. Wicklow only have two points, each team to have faced the Cork side have come away with the maximum points, something that will be on both teams minds ahead of kick off.
Blackrock College V Galwegians, Saturday October 8th, 5pm, Stradbrook
The standout tie on Saturday sees the Westerners take on the powerhouses from the capital, both unbeaten and both early title contenders. Blackrock are well rested and will expect to continue their winning streak, favourites maybe just about ahead of their opponents.
Galweigians brushed aside Cooke last weekend, should certainly be atop the table if not for the Sutts draw. Blackrock have been exciting to watch and also bring scores, they can take them and also work a team down, Galwegians will certainly make a statement if they can get over the line this weekend.
Cooke V Old Belvedere, Saturday October 8th, 5pm, Ollie Campbell Park
Another team struggling in the division is Cooke, three defeats leaves them second from bottom, but the league leaders could earn their third bonus point win of the season. Belvo could put some breathing room between them and those below, depending on results elsewhere, a bonus point win would aid their charges.
Against their Dublin neighbours Suttonians they produced a quality performance, a whitewash looked on the cards by half time but they conceded in the second half. A daunting challenge to keep them quiet this weekend, Clare Gorman and Deirbhile Nic an Bhaird the top two try scorers for the visitors.
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.