Ulster Bank League: Division 1B Previews
Another crucial round of action looms in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League. After surprising Buccaneers last weekend, can UCC overcome table toppers Clontarf? Meanwhile, bottom side Galwegians will have have revenge on their minds at Bruff.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, February 19
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
BRUFF (5th) v GALWEGIANS (8th), Kilballyowen Park
Ulster Bank League Season’s Form – Bruff: LLWWWWLLWL; Galwegians: WLLLLLWLLL
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers – Bruff: Points: Brian Cahill 84; Tries: Cathal O’Regan 3; Galwegians: Points: John Cleary 42; Tries: Ja Naughton 2
Preview: A great opportunity for Bruff to record an important victory against a Galwegians team which lies bottom of the table with just two victories from their 10 games.
Bruff’s form has tended to be erractic but, at their best, they are a very useful outfit. If they are anywhere near their best they should muster a win which will keep them in touch with a possible top-three spot.
Most Recent Meeting – Saturday, November 13, 2010: Galwegians 11 Bruff 22, Crowley Park
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Bruff to win by 6-10 points
BUCCANEERS (2nd) v UL BOHEMIANS (4th), Dubarry Park
Ulster Bank League Season’s Form – Buccaneers: WWLWWWWWL; UL Bohemians: LWWLLLLWWW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers – Buccaneers: Points: Adam Kennedy 50; Tries: John O’Brien 6; UL Bohemians: Points: JJ Hanrahan 62; Tries: Martin McPhail 4
Preview: This should be cracking encounter. Second-placed Buccaneers will be keen to get back to winning form after last weekend’s surprise defeat to UCC.
They are entitled to fancy their chances at Dubarry Park, having beaten Clontarf, amongst others, there. But UL Bohemians represent a difficult challenge.
They have been in excellent form lately, defeating Lansdowne and Bruff. If the conditions are right, they have the backs to trouble any side.
Most Recent Meeting – Saturday, November 13, 2010: UL Bohemians 3 Buccaneers 26, Annacotty
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Buccaneers to win by 1-5 points
LANSDOWNE (3rd) v DUNGANNON (6th), Aviva Stadium back pitch
Ulster Bank League Season’s Form – Lansdowne: LWLWLLWLLW; Dungannon: LLWWWLLWL
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers – Lansdowne: Points: Eoghan Hickey 130; Tries: Matt Healy 5; Dungannon: Points: Paddy Jackson 70; Tries: Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston 4 each
Preview: Could this be the occasion that Lansdowne follow one winning performance with another? They comfortably saw off bottom club Galwegians last time out, scoring five tries.
Former Leinster and Munster centre Kieran Lewis, unsurprisingly, was a key figure, crossing for two of the tries.
While Dungannon should provide more difficult opposition, it will be a major surprise should Lansdowne fail to win on home soil.
Most Recent Meeting – Saturday, November 13, 2010: Dungannon 21 Lansdowne 18, Stevenson Park
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Lansdowne to win by 6-10 points
UCC (7th) v CLONTARF (1st), the Mardyke
Ulster Bank League Season’s Form – UCC: WLLLLWLWLW; Clontarf: WWWLWWWWLW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers – UCC: Points: Andrew Burke 64; Tries: James Ryan, Willie Walsh, John Ryan 3 each; Clontarf: Points: Noel Reid 81; Tries: Michael Keating 5
Preview: If you were to look at this fixture a number of weeks back, you would have said that Clontarf should win pulling up.
But UCC have beaten Lansdowne and Buccaneers in their last two home games. Should they add the scalp of Clontarf it would be some hat-trick.
That said, Clontarf are sure to be well-prepared. Former Dolphin flanker Barry O’Mahony is played great stuff at present and is likely to prove a real thorn in the side of the students.
Most Recent Meeting – Saturday, November 13, 2010: Clontarf 27 UCC 8, Castle Avenue
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: UCC to win by 6-10 points
Related Links –
Ulster Bank League: Division 1B Table