AIB League: Division 2 Previews

There are a number of juicy clashes in AIB League Division 2 this weekend, with leaders Lansdowne’s trip to Terenure College catching the eye in the capital and there is also plenty on the line at Bective Rangers, Bruff and Clonakilty.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 2: Saturday, October 31

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Bective Rangers (7th) v Belfast Harlequins (4th), Donnybrook

A narrow loss to Corinthians last week means Bective will be looking to bounce back at home. They face a tough task when Neil McComb and ‘Quins come calling to Donnybrook on Saturday. Start your rugby weekend with this game before you head to the RDS for Leinster’s game against Cardiff.

Bruff (8th) v UCD (5th), Kilballyowen Park

Bruff survived a late scare against Old Crescent last weekend but they face another difficult challenge when UCD come calling on Saturday. The students took a beating from Thomond last week and will be hoping for a better result against their second Limerick club in-a-row.

Clonakilty (15th) v Dublin University (14th), Shannonvale Cross

Neither side has managed a win as yet and only a losing bonus point separates them in the table. Clon lost to Lansdowne last time out while the Trinity boys lost at home to DLSP. A win for either side will be a boost to their season.

Corinthians (9th) v Old Crescent (12th), Corinthian Park 

Corinthians have picked up some momentum by winning their last two games. They turned around an 11-3 half-time deficit last Saturday and will be aiming to give a warm welcome to Old Crescent. For their part the Limerick side are still smarting from their narrow loss to Bruff – a late, late conversion bouncing back off the post.

De La Salle Palmerston (3rd) v Old Wesley (10th), Kirwan Park

Three wins from three keeps ‘Salmo in the promotion hunt and they will also be celebrating forwards coach John Fogarty’s call-up to the Ireland squad. Wesley, with one win under their belts, will look to peg back their Dublin rivals.

Greystones (16th) v Malone (13th), Dr. Hickey Park 

No wins for either side as yet and only losing bonus points keeping them apart in the table. This looks set to be a scrap for points as both clubs chase the win. Early days yet but this could prove a big game for both sides.

Terenure College (6th) v Lansdowne (1st), Lakelands Park 

Another Dublin derby to whet the appetite on Saturday afternoon. Lansdowne look a formidable outfit and with three try bonuses from three wins they will certainly test the ‘Nure defence. For their part, the Lakeland Park side have yet to be tested by one of the top five in Division 2.

Thomond (2nd) v Highfield (11th), Liam Fitzgerald Park 

Second-placed Thomond have beaten both Dublin student sides and bottom of the table Greystones. Highfield will present a stiff challenge but the Limerick men will be hoping to bag another win to keep them sitting pretty near the summit.