AIB Cup: Third Round Previews

AIB CUP THIRD ROUND: Saturday, January 5

BLACKROCK COLLEGE v CORK CONSTITUTION, Stradbrook, 2pm
Referee: Simon McDowell (Ulster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 14 (Blackrock College W2, D1, Cork Constitution W11); At Stradbrook: 6 (Blackrock College W1, D1, Cork Constitution W4)

Last Match: AIB League Division One – Saturday, October 27, 2007 – Cork Constitution 18 Blackrock College 5, Temple Hill

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: Blackrock College: LWLWW
Cork Constitution: WWWDW

BLACKROCK COLLEGE – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Did not qualify for the competition; 2007/08: Won in second round, 42-6 at home to Instonians
* Their two victories over Cork Constitution were back in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons. Have managed no win in their last five homes against Cork Constitution
* Have the worst Leinster clubs record playing Munster clubs in the AIB League. Most recently entertained Cork Constitution at Stradbrook in October 2006 – lost 25-24 to the Leesiders
* This is one of four all-first division clashes in the third round of the AIB Cup. Blackrock are entertaining a Munster club at Stradbrook for the second time this season
* They ave won just one of their last six games at home to clubs from Munster. They are currently in 11th place in Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Fionn Carr (70 points). Their top try scorers are Fionn Carr and Shane Monahan (4 tries each)

CORK CONSTITUTION – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Won in first round, 20-17 away to Shannon; won quarter-final, 41-13 at home to Belfast Harlequins; won semi-final, 20-13 away to Buccaneers; won final, 37-12 against St. Mary’s College; 2006/07: Won in preliminary round, 39-25 (aet) at home to Lansdowne; lost in first round, 16-9 away to St. Mary’s College; 2007/08: Won in second round, 33-10 away to Suttonians
* They have suffered no defeat in their last twelve games with Blackrock College. Have won their last three AIB League fixtures against Blackrock
* They have the best Munster clubs record playing Leinster clubs in the AIB League. Have already travelled to Leinster three times this season and won on each occasion
* Are one of three Munster clubs heading for Leinster this weekend to play in the third round of the AIB Cup. Have enjoyed success on their last five AIB League visits to Leinster
* Saturday’s game is one of six AIB Cup matches between clubs of different provinces. The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season is played three, won three. They are currently in first place in the first division table
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Richie Lane (43 points). Their top try scorer is Richie Lane (5 tries)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: Cork Constitution to win.

MALONE v BRUFF, Gibson Park, 2pm
Referee: Eanna O’Dowd (Leinster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 0

Last Match: The two clubs have never met each other before

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: Malone: LWWWW
Bruff: WWWWW

MALONE – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Lost in first round, 19-12 away to Terenure College; 2006/07: Lost in first round, 12-7 away to Terenure College; 2007/08: Won in first round, 50-5 at home to Ards; Won in second round, 48-17 at home to Midleton
* Have no form against Bruff in the past. This is one of two Ulster club v Munster club ties in the third round of the AIB Cup. This is the only cup tie in Ulster
* They have won seven of their previous 14 AIB League games at home to clubs from Limerick
* Have scored an aggregate 96 points in their two AIB Cup games to date this season
* The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season – played four, won four. They are currently in 4th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division Two
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Kieran Hallett (78 points). Their top try scorer is John Anderson (6 tries)

BRUFF – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Did not qualify for the competition
2007/08: Won in the first round, 6-5 at home to Highfield in the first round. Won in the second round, 19-12 at home to Old Crescent
* This weekend they visit Gibson Park for the first time. Are the only Division Three club to survive two rounds of this season’s AIB Cup
* They have been successful on five of their most recent six matches away in Ulster – they have the best Munster clubs record playing AIB League rugby away in Ulster
*They are coached by a Welshman Eugene Murnane, formerly with Clonakilty, who is assisted by backs coach Eoin Cahill. Along with UCC and Instonians, they are the only club that have won all seven games in the AIB League since
this season’s competition started on October 27
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season is played three, won three. They are currently in first place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division Three
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Brian Cahill (63 points). Their top try scorers are Mike Carroll and Brendan Deady (5 tries each)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: Bruff to win.

CLONTARF v DE LA SALLE PALMERSTON, Castle Avenue, 2pm
Referee: Dudley Phillips (Leinster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 6 (Clontarf W3, De La Salle Palmerston W3); At Castle Avenue: 6 (Blackrock College W1, D1, Cork Constitution W4)

Last Match: AIB League Division One – Saturday, October 6, 2001 – Clontarf 31 De La Salle Palmerston 8, Castle Avenue

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: Clontarf: WWWLL
De La Salle Palmerston: WLWLW

CLONTARF – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Won in first round, 30-20 at home to Dungannon; Lost quarter-final, 15-14 at home to Garryowen; 2006/07: Lost in first round, 22-13 away to Shannon; 2007/08: Won in second round, 27-14 away to Terenure College
*They are on a hat-trick of home victories over De La Salle Palmerston. They first played an AIB League match against DLSP in October 1993 – they lost 19-15 at home to them
* Have not played DLSP in the AIB League during the past five seasons. This weekend they entertain a Leinster club for the second time in AIB competition this season
* Have won eight of their last ten AIB League and Cup fixtures at home to Leinster clubs. Kiwi Phil Werahiko coached Clontarf for six seasons immediately after a similar spell coaching DLSP. Had their Leinster Senior League Cup final with St. Mary’s College postponed last weekend
* The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season – played four, won two and lost two. They are currently in 4th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Ian Keatley (40 points). Their top try scorers are Phil Howard and Niall Carson (3 tries each)

DE LA SALLE PALMERSTON – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Lost in first round, 50-13 at home to Buccaneers; 2006/07: Did not qualify for the competition; 2007/08: Won in the first round, 24-20 away to Rainey Old Boys; Won in the second round, 32-18 at home to Bective Rangers
* They 31-8 on their most recent AIB League visit – in October 2001 – to Castle Avenue. The last four AIB League fixtures between these two clubs have produced home wins
* Have previously played Clontarf twice in Division Three, once in Division Two and three times in Division One of the AIB League. This weekend they travel to a Leinster club for the second time in AIB competition this season
* They have won three and lost three of their last six AIB League and Cup fixtures on the road in Leinster. This is the only all-Leinster club clash in the AIB Cup’s third round
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season – played four, won three and lost one. They are currently in third place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division Two
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Phil de Barra (56 points). Their top try scorer is Carl De Chenu (5 tries)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: Clontarf to win.

UCC v SHANNON, The Mardyke, 2pm
Referee: Darragh McCormack (Munster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 0

Last Match: The two clubs have never met before in AIB competitions

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: UCC: WWWWW
Shannon: WLWWW

UCC – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Did not qualify for the competition; 2007/08: Won in the first round, 43-13 at home to Old Wesley; Won in the second round, 21-9 at home to Dolphin
* Have no form against Shannon in senior competitions in recent times. A few of their former players eg. Peter Stringer, Stephen Keogh, Jerry Flannery and Donnacha Ryan have joined Shannon during the AIB League years
* This is the only all-Munster clubs tie in the AIB Cup’s third round. UCC are at home to a Munster club for the first time this season in an AIB competition. Have won three of their last seven AIB League fixtures at home to Munster clubs
* Along with Bruff and Instonians, they are the only club that have won all seven games in the AIB League since
this season’s competition started on October 27
* The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season is played five, won five. They are currently in first place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division Two
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Gavin Dunne (87 points). Their top try scorer is Will Hanly (3 tries)

SHANNON – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Lost in first round, 20-17 at home to Cork Constitution; 2006/07: Won in first round, 22-13 at home to Clontarf; Won quarter-final, 34-24 away to UCD; Lost semi-final, 32-28 away to Belfast Harlequins; 2007/08: Won in second round, 19-17 away to Belfast Harlequins
* This weekend they visit the Mardyke for the first time in many years. This is one of two Division One v Division Two AIB Cup third round fixtures down for decision
* This is the second time this season that Shannon play away in Munster in AIB competition
* Beat Highfield 12-6 in the Munster Senior Cup final last week. Have won just one of their last four AIB League fixtures on the road in Munster
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season is played six, won five and lost one. They are currently in second place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Andrew Thompson (59 points). Their top try scorer is Stephen Kelly (4 tries)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: Shannon to win.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE v CLONAKILTY, Templeville Road, 2pm
Referee: Mark Hermin (Ulster)

– This match has been postponed. Details on a re-fixed date to follow –

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 0

Last Match: The two clubs have never met before

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: St. Mary’s College: WWWLL
Clonakilty: WWLLL

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Won in first round, 39-14 at home to Greystones; Won quarter-final, 35-21 away to Terenure College; Won semi-final, 23-14 away to Garryowen; Lost final, 37-12 to Cork Constitution at Lansdowne Road; 2006/07: Won in first round, 16-9 at home to Cork Constitution; Lost quarter-final 16-13 (aet) away to Garryowen; 2007/08: Won in second round, 35-3 at home to Corinthians
* Have never before played rugby against Clonakilty. Have won seven of their last ten AIB League fixtures at home to clubs from Munster
* Had Leinster Senior Cup final against Clontarf postponed last weekend. This is one of two Division One v Division Two clashes in the third round of the AIB Cup
* Will be mindful that ‘Clon’ arrived up and beat Mary’s Dublin 6W neighbours Terenure College at Lakelands Park in the AIB Cup last season
* The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season – played four, won three and lost one. They are currently in 8th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Frank Lynch (41 points). Their top try scorers are Ronan Doherty and Matt Crockett (2 tries each)

CLONAKILTY – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Won in first round, 8-0 at home to Greystones; Won quarter-final, 31-22 away to Terenure College; Lost semi-final, 32-13 away to Garryowen; 2007/08: Won in first round, 28-10 away to City of Derry; Won in second round, 19-3 away to Dublin University
* Will be visiting Templeville Road for the first time. Have so far this season won their two away games in the AIB Cup but lost their three away games in the AIB League
* They h ave one of the poorest Munster club records playing AIB League away in the Leinster province
* Rumour, probably incorrect, is that their coach Terry Dillon, formerly of Cork Constitution, has recently become a player-coach
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season – played five, won two and lost three. They are currently in 12th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division Two
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Gary Cribb (49 points). Their top try scorer is Noel O’Sullivan (4 tries)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: St. Mary’s College to win.

UCD v UL BOHEMIANS, Belfield, 2pm
Referee: Peter Ferguson (Ulster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 10 (UCD W4, UL Bohemians W6); At Belfield: 3 (UCD W2, UL Bohemians W1)

Last Match: AIB League Division One – Saturday, October 27, 2007 – UL Bohemians 16 UCD 8, UL Bowl

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: UCD: LWWLW
UL Bohemians: WLWWL

UCD – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Won in first round, 16-14 away to Ballymena; Lost quarter-final, 34-24 at home to Shannon; 2007/08: Won in second round, 32-21 at home to Greystones
* Have lost their last three AIB League fixtures with UL Bohemians. First played AIB League rugby against Bohemians in April 1996 – lost 16-11 at Thomond Park
* Had a young Brian O’Driscoll in their side when they played Bohemians twice during the 1998/99 Division Three season
* This weekend they entertain a Munster side at Belfield for the first time this season. Are currently in their seventh consecutive season in AIB League Division One. Seven of the ten previous competitive fixtures between these two clubs have taken place in Limerick
* Have won two of their last six home games against clubs from Limerick. The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season is played five, won five. They are currently in 10th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Killian Lett (39 points). Their top try scorer is Cian Aherne (5 tries)

UL BOHEMIANS – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Did not qualify for the competition; 2007/08: Won in second round, 26-19 away to Dungannon
* Scored five tries and won 39-3 on their most recent visit to Belfield in October 2006. Are currently in their fourth season in AIB League Division One after appearing as an amalgamated club for the 1999/2000 season
* This weekend they are making their first visit to Leinster this season. Are one of three Limerick clubs heading to Leinster in the AIB Cup’s third round. Have won four of their last six games away in the Leinster province
* Have previously played UCD five times in Division Three, once in Division Two and four times in the top flight
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season – played four, won two and lost two. They are currently in 3rd place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Fergal Lawlor (59 points). Their top try scorer is Lupeni Siale (5 tries)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: UL Bohemians to win.

GARRYOWEN v BALLYMENA, Dooradoyle, 2pm
Referee: John Carvill (Leinster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 16 (Garryowen W11, D1, Ballymena W5); At Dooradoyle: 8 (Garryowen W6, D1, Ballymena W1)

Last Match: AIB League Division One – Saturday, October 27, 2007 – Ballymena 3 Garryowen 26, Eaton Park

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: Garryowen: WWLDW
Ballymena: LWWWW

GARRYOWEN – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Won in first round, 33-7 away to Dolphin; Won quarter-final, 15-14 away to Clontarf; Lost semi-final, 23-14 at home to St. Mary’s College; 2006/07: Won first round, 16-13 at home to Buccaneers; Won quarter-final, 16-13 (aet) at home to St. Mary’s College; Won semi-final, 32-13 at home to Clonakilty; Won final, 20-7 against Belfast Harlequins at Dubarry Park; 2007/08: Won in second round, 23-5 away to Lansdowne
* Have won their last three home games with Ballymena. Have only lost once at home to Ballymena – 44-38 in April 2000 and it was their first ever AIB League defeat at home to an Ulster club
* This weekend they entertain an Ulster club at Dooradoyle for the second time this season. Have won five of their last seven fixtures at home to clubs from Ulster
* Are the only Limerick club playing at home in the AIB Cup third round this weekend
* The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season – played four, won two and lost two. They are currently in 5th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Conor Kilroy (59 points). Their top try scorer is Keith Earls (3 tries)

BALLYMENA – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Lost in preliminary round, 28-16 away to Buccaneers; 2006/07: Lost in first round, 16-14 at home to UCD; 2007/08: Won in second round, 37-21 at home to Buccaneeers
* Lost 12-10 on their most recent visit to Dooradoyle in October 2006. Have lost their last four encounters with Garryowen
* This weekend sees them travel to Munster for the first time this season. Have lost four of their last five fixtures away in Limerick
* Are the only Ulster club travelling outside the province in the AIB Cup’s third round
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season – played three, won two and lost one. They are currently in 6th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Donovan Raw (45 points). Their top try scorers are Peter Budina and Chris Henry (3 tries each)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: Garryowen to win.

GALWEGIANS v OLD BELVEDERE, Crowley Park, 2pm
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Munster)

Previous AIB League/Cup Meetings: 2 (Galwegians W2, Old Belvedere W0); At Crowley Park: 2 (Galwegians W2, Old Belvedere W0)

Last Match: AIB League Division Two – Saturday, March 11, 2000 – Galwegians 35 Old Belvedere 30, Crowley Park

Last Five AIB League/Cup Matches: Galwegians: DWLLL
Old Belvedere: WLLWL

GALWEGIANS – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Won in first round, 13-9 at home to Cashel; Lost quarter-final, 23-6 at home to Buccaneers; 2006/07: Won in first round, 40-3 at home to Dungannon; Lost quarter-final, 22-19 away to Belfast Harlequins; 2007/08: Won in second round, 18-13 at home to Ballynahinch
* They have previously played Old Belvedere twice in the AIB League, both games in Division Two at Crowley Park – they won 23-13 in March 1994 and 35-30 in March 2000
* This is the only Connacht club v Leinster club tie in the third round of the AIB Cup. It is one of four all-first division clashes down for decision this weekend
* They have lost four of their last seven fixtures at home to clubs from Leinster, and are on their own in flying the flag for Connacht in the third round of the cup
* The story at home in AIB competitions so far this season is played four, won three and lost one. They are currently in 9th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2007/08 AIB League and Cup to date is Liam Bibo (25 points). Their top try scorer is John Cleary (3 tries)

OLD BELVEDERE – NOTES:

* AIB Cup History – 2005/06: Did not qualify for the competition; 2006/07: Did not qualify for the competition; 2007/08: Won in second round, 21-7 at home to Wanderers 21-7
* Most recently played AIB League rugby against Galwegians in March 2000 – they lost 35-30 at Crowley Park. They have, over the years, played 22 away fixtures in Division One and lost them all
* Play Galwegians at Anglesea Raod later on this season (March 1). It will be the inaugural visit of a Connacht club to Anglesea Road in the AIB League
* Are the only one of six Leinser clubs that are required to travel outside the province this weekend. Last played AIB League rugby against a Connacht club seven-and-a-half seasons ago
* The story on the road in AIB competitions so far this season is played three, lost three. They are currently in 13th place in the 2007/08 AIB League Division One
* Their top points scorer in the 2006/07 AIB League and Cup to date is Richie Murphy (50 points). Their top try scorers are Felix Jones and Kevin Barden (3 tries each)

IrishRugby.ie Verdict: Galwegians to win.

– AIB League and Cup statistics provided by Des Daly