Round 18 of the Energia All-Ireland Division 1B gets underway on Saturday afternoon, as Shannon host Old Wesley in a do or die fixture at Thomond Park.
While Highfield head to Templeville Road to square off with St Mary’s College.
Shannon vs Old Wesley, Thomond Park
All eyes will be on this fixture as Shannon host Old Wesley in a crucial clash at Thomond Park.
Shannon need results to go in their favour this weekend, as they look to overtake Highfield in second place and ensure a home semi-final. The hosts need to defeat Old Wesley and hope that St Mary’s College pull off a remarkable win at home to Highfield.
As for Old Wesley, the visitors can rest at ease knowing they have earned a playoff spot, but will be looking to throw a spanner in the works as they look for their 17th win of the season.
St Mary’s College vs Highfield, Templeville Road
Highfield head to Templeville Road to take on St Mary’s College.
For the visitors their task is simple – win and a home semi-final is at stake. However, with Shannon just one point behind, that home berth is keenly up for grabs.
As for St Mary’s College, they head into this game struggling for form, and have picked up just one win in their last five games – a win and a loss for Naas could see them into the semi-finals.
Navan vs Malone, Balreask Old
Malone will look to guarantee their survival as they face already relegated Navan at Balreask Old.
The visitors require just one point to mathematically guarantee their survival, and will look to end their disappointing on a high by earning their fourth win of the season.
As for Navan, the hosts have nothing but pride to play for, after their relegation was confirmed last weekend. While Malone all but guaranteed their survival, as they stunned Naas in a 33-16 win at Gibson Park.
City of Armagh vs Banbridge, Palace Grounds
Banbridge require a miracle as they look to pull off the great escape at the Palace Grounds against City of Armagh.
For the visitors to pull off a remarkable escape, they require a 47 point victory at the Palace Grounds and will need Navan to stun Malone at Balreask Old.
Naas vs Old Belvedere, Forenaughts
Naas will look to finish the group stages on a high and cement a semi-final spot as they welcome Old Belvedere to Forenaughts.
The hosts sparked life into their season two weeks ago, as they stunned Highfield to put themselves back in promotion contention. They lost 33-16 to struggling Malone last time around, but will be eager to put that performance behind them this weekend.
