Ulster Bank League: Division 1B Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, March 15

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

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Buccaneers (3rd) v Corinthians (2nd), Dubarry Park, Friday Night Lights, 7.30

CORINTHIANS remain favourites to secure second spot but their 10-5 away defeat to Shannon in a  back match has provided them with some added pressure.

If Buccaneers, currently in fourth position, can manage to beat them in this Friday night derby it will add a bit of spice to the end of the season.

There’s unlikely to be much in it, given that Corinthians only got home by 19-18 in the first encounter between the clubs.

In fact, Buccaneers outscored their rivals by two tries to one in that encounter. What’s more, they had an excellent 29-10 bonus point away success over Shannon on their last outing.

UL Bohemians (4th) v Shannon (5th), Anacotty, 1.30

FASCINATING  clash between these two great Limerick rivals. Fourth placed UL Bohs could certainly
do with the points in their chase of Corinthians in second spot.

But they know they can expect absolutely no favours from a Shannon side that upset Corinthians to push further up the table. Shannon’s decision to go with their younger players seems to be paying off.

Furthermore, they beat UL Bohs 13-9 at Coonagh, so are going for the double.  However, UL Bohs  have a goalkicker in top form, Robbie Bourke having landed four penalties and a conversion in their 19-12 away victory over Dublin University.

Belfast Harlequins (6th) v Malone (7th), Deramore Park

MUCH more at stake for Malone than their local rivals Belfast Harlequins.  Despite a recent improvement in form, Malone still find themselves in the relegation dogfight.

They are currently fourth from bottom, just ahead of Dublin University ad Blackrock College. Belfast Harlequins, by comparision, are in a safe mid-table spot.

Belfast Harlequins emerged victorious 25-15 when the sides met earlier in the campaign.

But Malone’s form has improved and Belfast Harlequins will definitely need to step up on their effort when losing 28-15 to Blackrock if they are to complete the double.

Dungannon (10th) v Blackrock College (9th), Stevenson Park

ABSOLUTELY vital game for both teams. If Dungannon are to have any chance to getting off the bottom of the table the simply cannot afford another loss.

But they really have been very disappointing, conceding five tries in losing their last match 31-5 away to Corinthians.

Blackrock, by contrast, had an encouraging 28-12 home victory over Belfast Harlequins.

The worry for ‘Rock, however, is that they lost 32-21 to Dungannon when they played them at Stradbrook.  That result suggests that this could well be a hard fought game.

Terenure College (1st) v Dublin University (8th), Lakelands

TERENURE COLLEGE are surely now the champions elect but they would like nothing better than to maintain their 100 per cent record until the end of their campaign.

On the face of it, the leaders should have little difficulty with a struggling Dublin University. That said, they will not be taking anything for granted, given that the students are so desperate for points in their battle to avoid relegation.

Crucially, Dublin University have improved considerably from earlier in the season and gave a very decent account of themselves in the Colours match.

What’s more, they showed well in only losing 26-17 to Terenure when they sides met at Sydney Parade.