It’s the proverbial or bust for both UCC and Ballynahinch when they meet in the first leg of the Division 1A relegation play off at the Mardyke this afternoon. 

UCC come into the game off the back of a heavy 50-14 defeat away to Terenure which has been a recurring theme for the students in the regular season which yielded only one win which coincidentally came against today’s opponents. 

Ballynahinch come into the game full of confidence after beating Young Munster 17-10 at home to pick up just their second win of the season. The northern side finished eight points clear of the students in the regular season, finishing with fifteen compared to UCC’s seven. 

Both teams have proved to be evenly matched with the regular season’s two game series split at one victory apiece. UCC getting a 10-6 win at Ballymacarn Park in November while Ballynahinch returned the favour at the Mardyke emerging on the right side of a 19-9 scoreline in February. 

 

UCC captain Rob Hedderman was on the FinalWhistle.ie Rugby podcast last week and spoke about the importance of the game ahead. “ Having them at home first before going away is tough but it’s a massively exciting week for the club to try and keep 1A status which is so important for clubs to keep playing that level of rugby. It’s probably not a position any club wants to be in but it’s still massively exciting at the same time.” 

The visitors have kept preparation under the radar ahead of the game and but will be hard to be if they can build on their victory last time out in an impressive performance and will not want the trip from Down to be in vain. 

Hedderman comes back into the UCC side to captain the team at full-back. The college is also boosted by the return of Munster player Jack O’Sullivan who starts at openside flanker. 

As for Ballynahinch, Irish Under-20 star Josh Hanlon returns to the side at hooker while there are no fresh injury concerns for the visitors. 

Kick-off at the Mardyke is at 2.30 with live updates available on FinalWhistle.ie