The AIL Women’s Division takes centre stage this weekend, with the meeting of two potential title chasers Old Belvedere and Blackrock College the standout tie.
Ballincollig V UL Bohemian, Saturday Oct 22nd, Tanner Park, 3pm
After a heavy defeat on home soil last weekend, UL Bohemian will aim to find form against fellow strugglers Ballincollig in a Munster derby this weekend.
The hosts picked up their first points of the season in their last league outing against Wicklow, the low scoring tie one they could have indeed left with all the points.
UL have the best scoring difference of all the teams in the bottom four places in the league, sitting on -88 they have conceded half the points that their opponents have this season, with Ballincollig on -230 the leakiest defence in the league.
Cooke V Wicklow, Saturday Oct 22nd, Shaw’s Bridge, 5pm
Wicklow climbed up to fifth spot in the table with victory over Suttonians last weekend, a bonus point win over Cooke this weekend could elevate them into the top four.
Cooke are rooted to the bottom of the table, having failed to register a point this season. Coming off the back of two 60+ point defeats, they will look to find the form we saw against Sutts earlier this season.
Wicklow meanwhile are young and have plenty of attacking talent that could wreak havoc this weekend, Roisin Stone and Linda Dempsey both scored last time out and are a talented pair, while fly-half Beth Roberts remains their top scorer.
Galwegians V Railway Union, Saturday Oct 22nd, Crowley Park, 5pm
Not one but two heavyweight ties concerning the top of the table take’s place this weekend, Railway Union look to continue their unbeaten record in the competition.
Galwegians were beaten at the weekend by Old Belvedere, they now face another tough task against Railway Union, Wegians struggled in that 24-0 defeat, back on home soil they will look to stop the Union attack.
No team has outscored Railway Union this season, 269 points in four games makes them a lethal force in the division. Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe scored seven tries last weekend, while veteran Lindsay Peat brought five from the Prop position, keeping them quiet will be a huge task.
Old Belvedere V Blackrock College, Saturday Oct 22nd, Ollie Campbell Park, 5pm
The league leaders play host to an exciting Blackrock team in a huge top of the table clash at Ollie Campbell Park.
Belvedere have been perfect so far this season, five wins, four of which brought a bonus point they have brought quality and skill to the division.
Blackrock have also been perfect as they remain unbeaten from their four bonus point victories, with Beibhinn Parsons now in her third week of life in the AIL, she has seven tries to her name as her star continues to grow
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.