AIB Cup Second Round Swings Into Town
Club rugby switches focus this weekend after four weeks of intensive AIB League action. It is knockout time again as the second round of the AIB Cup kicks off around the country.
The Division One teams come into play for the second round of the AIB Cup and with a number of all-Division One ties, there are guaranteed to be some casualties from the top flight.
Tie of the round is, of course, the repeat of last season’s final as Blackrock College play host to Shannon at Stradbrook.
The sides met at the start of October in the league and ‘Rock extracted some revenge by running out 41-27 winners over their Limerick rivals.
Another rematch is that between St. Mary’s College and Cork Constitution. The Dublin side edged out Con by 16-9 last weekend in the league so this should be another close affair.
Two games have been rescheduled with the tie between Nenagh Ormond and Barnhall set for November 8 and the clash of Galwegians and Highfield now down for decision on November 22.
The draw for the third round of the AIB Cup and the opening round of the AIB Junior Cup will take place in Navan RFC tomorrow evening at 7pm.
Navan are the defending champions in the Junior competition and the draw will follow their league clash with last season’s beaten finalists Tullamore, who are also in the hunt for the AIB Junior Cup again this season.
Both draws will be available on IrishRugby.ie on Saturday evening.
2008/09 AIB CUP SECOND ROUND FIXTURES: Saturday, November 1
– Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated
UCC v Portadown, The Mardyke, 1pm
Young Munster v Belfast Harlequins, Tom Clifford Park, 2pm
Ards v Old Wesley, Hamilton Park
Ballynahinch v County Carlow, Ballymacarn Park
Bective Rangers v Terenure College, Donnybrook
Blackrock College v Shannon, Stradbrook
Buccaneers v Clontarf, Dubarry Park
Dolphin v Malone, Musgrave Park
Garryowen v Thomond, Dooradoyle
Old Belvedere v Ballymena, Anglesea Road
Old Crescent v Bruff, Rosbrien
Rainey Old Boys v UCD, Hatrick Park
St. Mary’s College v Cork Constitution, Templeville Road
UL Bohemians v Dungannon, Annacotty
Nenagh Ormond v Barnhall, New Ormond Park, 2pm (Saturday, November 8)
Galwegians v Highfield, Crowley Park, 2pm (Saturday, November 22)