AIB League: Division 1B Previews

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, January 16

BALLYNAHINCH (7th) v DUNGANNON (6th), Ballymacarn Park, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – Ballynahinch: LWLLLWL; Dungannon: LWWLWLL
AIB League Top Scorers – Ballynahinch: Points: Ryan Bambry 41; Tries: Nevin Spence, Jonny Cullen 2 each; Dungannon: Points: James Shiells 32; Tries: Craig Gilroy, Stuart McKenzie 2 each
 
Preview: There is not much between these Ulster rivals. When they met at Stevenson Park back in October, Dungannon managed a 13-8 victory.

This time around, Ballynahinch will probably feel that home advantage should prove decisive for them. They have shown some improvement after a disappointing opening to their campaign, but really this is a very hard game to call.

‘Hinch captain Stuart Lamb is keen to see his side get back to winning ways and this local derby would be a good place to start.

Last Season’s Meeting – Ballynahinch were in Division 2 

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

OLD BELVEDERE (1st) v YOUNG MUNSTER (2nd), Anglesea Road, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – Old Belvedere: WWDWLWW; Young Munster: WLDWWWW
AIB League Top Scorers – Old Belvedere: Points: David Mongan 50; Tries: David Mongan 10; Young Munster: Points: Alan Kingsley 44; Tries: Alan Kingsley, Clem Casey, Aaron Carroll, Derek Corcoran 3 each

Preview: Match of the day with the leaders Old Belvedere taking on their nearest rivals. The game is a real test for the Anglesea Road outfit.

Old Belvedere were fortunate enough to come away from Tom Clifford Park in October with a 3-3 draw and Young Munster have definitely improved since then, securing four wins and a draw. Crucially this weekend, however, Old Belvedere should have Fergus McFadden available.

Last weekend, he was named in the Leinster midfield alongside Brian O’Driscoll for the cancelled game against Glasgow, a sure indication of just how highly he is rated.

Last Season’s Meeting – Saturday, October 11, 2008: Young Munster 9 Old Belvedere 13, Tom Clifford Park 

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

UCC (3rd) v GALWEGIANS (4th), The Mardyke, 2.30pm

AIB League Current Form – UCC: LLWWWLW; Galwegians: WLLLWWL
AIB League Top Scorers – UCC: Points: Andrew Burke 43; Tries: Brian Derham, Ivan Dineen 3 each; Galwegians: Points: Mark Butler 28; Tries: Mark Butler, John Cleary 3 each

Preview: UCC seem to get better as the season progresses, their latest league 25-6 home hammering of Buccaneers demonstrating their progress.

That is very much in contrast to a disappointing opening to their campaign. But the Cork students have not looked back since beating Galwegians 19-11 at Crowley Park in their third match.

A win for Conor Twomey’s youngsters would keep the pressure up on ‘Belvo and Young Munster.

Last Season’s Meeting – UCC were in Division 2 

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

BUCCANEERS (8th) v BALLYMENA (5th), Dubarry Park, 6.30pm

AIB League Current Form – Buccaneers: LLWWLLL; Ballymena: WWLLLLW
AIB League Top Scorers – Buccaneers: Points: Adam Kennedy 31; Tries: Billy Henshaw, Brian Tuohy, Martin Staunton, John O’Brien, JH Potgieter, Colm Rigney 1 each; Ballymena: Points: Rory Drysdale 36; Tries: Sam McKinney 4

Preview: A big match this for a struggling Buccaneers outfit that is badly in need of a boost. Surprisingly, they are looking to complete the double over Ballymena, having narrowly beaten them 18-15 at Eaton Park in October.

The problem is that Buccaneers seem to have lost their way more recently. While Ballymena have not set the world alight this season, they did manage a decent 21-15 success over Dungannon last time out.

The Braidmen will hope to balance up their sheet with a win, while Buccs, under their own floodlights, badly need this win. A tough one to call given the form this season.

Last Season’s Meeting – Saturday, December 13, 2008: Buccaneers 17 Ballymena 21, Dubarry Park 

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