There’s plenty of action between the division’s top clubs this weekend with Wanderers facing Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park and Greystones travelling to Hamilton Park to take on third placed Sligo.
Galway Corinthians host fellow tribesmen Galwegians at Corinthian Park, as Wegians look to find their second win of the season.
Galway Corinthians v Galwegians, Friday 21st January, Corinthian Park, 8pm.
Corinthians find themselves in second place after six wins on the bounce. The in-form side overcame Ballina at Heffernan Park last week in an entertaining 34-28 victory. Meanwhile for Galwegians, it was yet another defeat for the Crowley Park outfit as they fell to a disappointing 28-0 loss to Sligo. Corinthians could move to within four points of leaders Greystones if they find a bonus point win and Stones fail to beat Sligo.
Dungannon v Blackrock College, Saturday 22nd January, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm.
Rock returned to winning ways last weekend after a 19-10 victory over Dublin rivals Malahide. Blackrock are sitting nine points ahead of Dungannon and are sitting in fifth place. Dungannon held Belfast Harlequins to a 17-17 draw at Deramore Park in an all-Ulster affair. The Tyrone side are in seventh place in the division after just three wins from their opening ten matches. Blackrock defeated Dungannon 29-26 in the reverse fixture and Dungannon will be eager to make things right at home this weekend.
Malahide v Ballina, Saturday 22nd January, Estuary Road, 2:30pm.
It’s eighth versus ninth this weekend with both sides still searching for their second wins of the campaign. Ballina have drawn an additional three games but have struggled to find that killer instinct to pick up winning points. Malahide fell to a disappointing defeat away to Blackrock College last weekend while Ballina narrowly lost at home to second placed Galway Corinthians. Malahide’s Reece O’Connell, Darren Morrin and David Feenan all made their 50th AIL appearance against Blackrock College and the Dublin side will need the experience of the trio if they’re to overcome Ballina.
Sligo v Greystones, Saturday 22nd January, Hamilton Park, 2:30pm.
Third placed Sligo host table toppers Greystones this weekend and will be looking to cause an upset over Paul Lennon’s side. Greystones narrowly edged out Wanderers last time out thanks to a late Conor McAleer try. Sligo enjoyed a bonus point win over Galwegians last Saturday with tries coming from Philip Carter, Ryan Feehily, Brendan Cunningham and Calum Goddard. Stones enjoyed a big bonus point victory when the sides met at the start of December. A win for Sligo could move them into second place if Galway Corinthians fail to beat Galwegians.
Wanderers v Belfast Harlequins, Saturday 22nd January, Merrion Road, 2:30pm.
Wanderers fell to another late, heart-breaking defeat last week, this time away to Greystones. It was the third time this season where the Chaps have lost the game in the final moments. Wanderers did dominate the game at spells and hooker Brian Vaughan scored a well worked team try for his side during the affair. In the reverse fixture last month, a last minute try from Belfast Harlequins’ Malcom Corry sealed a 30-26 win for Quins. The Ulster side drew 17 all with Dungannon last week and will be eager to return to winning ways.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.