Categories: AIL Cup Club and Community

AIB Cup Second Round Swings Into Town

Club rugby switches focus this weekend after four weeks of intensive AIB League action. It is knockout time again as the second round of the AIB Cup kicks off around the country.

The Division One teams come into play for the second round of the AIB Cup and with a number of all-Division One ties, there are guaranteed to be some casualties from the top flight.

Tie of the round is, of course, the repeat of last season’s final as Blackrock College play host to Shannon at Stradbrook.

The sides met at the start of October in the league and ‘Rock extracted some revenge by running out 41-27 winners over their Limerick rivals.

Another rematch is that between St. Mary’s College and Cork Constitution. The Dublin side edged out Con by 16-9 last weekend in the league so this should be another close affair.

Two games have been rescheduled with the tie between Nenagh Ormond and Barnhall set for November 8 and the clash of Galwegians and Highfield now down for decision on November 22.

The draw for the third round of the AIB Cup and the opening round of the AIB Junior Cup will take place in Navan RFC tomorrow evening at 7pm.

Navan are the defending champions in the Junior competition and the draw will follow their league clash with last season’s beaten finalists Tullamore, who are also in the hunt for the AIB Junior Cup again this season.

Both draws will be available on IrishRugby.ie on Saturday evening.

2008/09 AIB CUP SECOND ROUND FIXTURES: Saturday, November 1

– Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated

UCC v Portadown, The Mardyke, 1pm

Young Munster v Belfast Harlequins, Tom Clifford Park, 2pm

Ards v Old Wesley, Hamilton Park

Ballynahinch v County Carlow, Ballymacarn Park

Bective Rangers v Terenure College, Donnybrook

Blackrock College v Shannon, Stradbrook

Buccaneers v Clontarf, Dubarry Park

Dolphin v Malone, Musgrave Park

Garryowen v Thomond, Dooradoyle

Old Belvedere v Ballymena, Anglesea Road

Old Crescent v Bruff, Rosbrien

Rainey Old Boys v UCD, Hatrick Park

St. Mary’s College v Cork Constitution, Templeville Road

UL Bohemians v Dungannon, Annacotty