As the second part of the season gets under starters orders this weekend, the race for promotion and to avoid relegation heats up, plenty of interesting clashes this weekend notably UCC and Garryowen who played out a cracking stalemate before the Christmas break.

St Mary’s have a 13 point lead at the summit going into Christmas, elsewhere Highfield moved back to fourth spot, while Garryowen and UCC could not be separated in Dooradoyle. Buccaneers picked up an important win on the road at the weekend.

The final round of action in 1B is expected to be another competitive weekend of action as the battle rages on for fourth spot in the table, Buccaneers and Queens look to pull off results to strengthen their hopes of safety going into the new year.

St Mary’s College remain the pace setters in 1B, Belvedere take up second place, while Naas make ground to jump to fourth. Garryowen secured a big result elsewhere to sit within touching distance of fourth spot.

The all Dublin meeting of St Mary’s College and Blackrock College is the standout tie in 1B this weekend, outside of the top two in action, the top four race and a skirmish at the bottom can also make for interesting viewing.

St Mary’s lead by 11 points in 1B and continue to set the pace, Highfield moved back into the top four, while Naas, Garryowen and Old Wesley picked up valuable wins.

St Mary’s and Old Belvedere meet in a huge top four clash this weekend, while the land of 1B elsewhere remains competitive as UCC look to keep onto fourth spot come Saturday evening.

UCC were the only moves in the top four, taking the place of local outfit Highfield. Buccaneers claimed a second win in succession but remain bottom, while Mary’s still remain unphased at the summit.

Before we pause for a week break, St Mary’s look to go six games unbeaten, while the Colours Match between UCC and Queens promises to be an exciting proposition in The Mardyke. 

Unbeaten St Mary’s College continue to set the pace in 1B, while Blackrock and Old Belvedere shook up the top four with wins this weekend, Buccaneers ended a four game losing streak to take a first win this season.