AIB League: Division 1B Previews

Want an afternoon away from the trick or treaters? Why not head to one of the four matches in AIB League Division 1B on Saturday? There is one in each province, with the Connacht derby between Buccaneers and Galwegians sure to draw a big crowd in Athlone.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, October 31

BALLYNAHINCH (5th) v YOUNG MUNSTER (4th), Ballymacarn Park, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – Ballynahinch: LWL; Young Munster: WLD
AIB League Top Scorers – Ballynahinch: Points: Ryan Bambry 22; Tries: Nevin Spence 2; Young Munster: Points: Alan Kingsley 24; Tries: Alan Kingsley 2 

Preview: Mid table clash. Ballynahinch are always hard to beat on their home patch but Young Munster are showing signs of improvement.

They should have accounted for leaders Old Belvedere last weekend, instead of having to settle for a 3-3 draw. They are likely to find themselves in another close encounter here.

Last Season’s Meeting – Ballynahinch were in Division 2

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Ballynahinch to win by 1-5 points

BUCCANEERS (8th) v GALWEGIANS (6th), Dubarry Park, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – Buccaneers: LLW; Galwegians: WLL
AIB League Top Scorers – Buccaneers: Points: Adam Kennedy 13; Tries: Billy Henshaw, Brian Tuohy, Martin Staunton, John O’Brien 1 each; Galwegians: Points: Mark Butler 25; Tries: Mark Butler 3  

Preview: Connacht derby that is sure to be a real battle. Bottom of the table Buccaneers pulled off a shock 18-15 away success over Ballymena last Saturday.

Galwegians, by contrast, went down to a 19-11 home defeat to UCC. A lot at stake in a match which is bound to reveal at lot about both outfits.

Last Season’s Meeting – Saturday, February 7, 2009: Buccaneers 8 Galwegians 9, Dubarry Park

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Galwegians to win by 1-5 points

OLD BELVEDERE (1st) v BALLYMENA (3rd), Anglesea Road, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – Old Belvedere: WWD; Ballymena: WWL
AIB League Top Scorers – Old Belvedere: Points: David Mongan 25; Tries: David Mongan 5; Ballymena: Points: Rory Drysdale 36; Tries: Sam McKinney 2 

Preview: A chance for leaders Old Belvedere to get back to winning form after their hard earned 3-3 draw at Young Munster.

In many ways, they much have been relieved to have come away with the draw, as they had both props sin-binned and were under intense pressure in the second half. Ballymena represent tough opposition but the home backs should get a better chance to impress here.

Last Season’s Meeting – Saturday, January 17, 2009: Ballymena 0 Old Belvedere 12, Eaton Park

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Old Belvedere to win by 6-10 points

UCC (7th) v DUNGANNON (2nd), The Mardyke, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – UCC: LLW; Dungannon: LWW
AIB League Top Scorers – UCC: Points: Andrew Burke 20; Tries: Brian Derham 2; Dungannon: Points: James Shiells 12; Tries: Ethan Allen, Glen Telford, Paul Magee, Craig Gilroy, John McGuckin 1 each

Preview: Now that the students have got their act together with an away success against Galwegians, they are going to prove dangerous opponents.

But second-placed Dungannon will be fully aware that they are going to have to be on top form in a division where there is precious little between the teams.

Last Season’s Meeting – UCC were in Division 2

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: UCC to win by 1-5 points