Categories: AIL Cup AIL Junior Cup Club and Community

AIB Cup Second Round Preview

The AIB Cup kicks back into action this weekend and tie of the round must be the rematch between Ballynahinch and Cork Constitution, who battled it out in last season’s final with ‘Hinch emerging as 17-6 victors.

Saturday sees the second round of the AIB Cup get underway, with the tie of the round undoubtedly Cork Constitution’s trip to reigning champions Ballynahinch.

‘Hinch, then in AIB League Division 2, enjoyed a superb giant-killing run in last season’s AIB Cup, reserving the best for last when they shocked Cork Con 17-6 in the final at Dubarry Park in April.

The sides meet for the first time since that match and Brian Walsh’s men will certainly be all out for revenge. Cork Con have had a mixed start to the season losing their opening game of the AIB League Dolphin before beating UL Bohemians last weekend.

Current Division 1A table toppers Blackrock College have some history in the AIB Cup, having lost out to Shannon in the 2008 final. They open their cup campaign with a trip to Malone who knocked Sunday’s Well out in the recent first round.

The other Leinster club flying high in the AIB League are St. Mary’s College. The Templeville Road team welcome Bruff to Dublin tomorrow.

Last season’ss AIB Junior Cup winners Navan got off to a solid start in both the Cup and League with a first round win over Instonians and two bonus point successes in AIB League Division 3.

This weekend sees them entertain former winners Garryowen in what promises to be a great day of rugby in Balreask Old.

The draw for the third round and quarter-finals will be made on Saturday night in Tullamore Rugby Club at the same time as the draw for the AIB Junior Cup, of which Tullamore are the reigning champions.

Details of the AIB Cup and AIB Junior Cup draws will be posted on www.Irishrugby.ie on Saturday night.

2009/10 AIB CUP SECOND ROUND FIXTURES:

Saturday, October 17 – kick-off 2.30pm unless stated

St. Mary’s College v Bruff, Templeville Road
UL Bohemians v Belfast Harlequins, Annacotty
Dungannon v Queen’s University, Stevenson Park
Navan v Garryowen, Balreask Old
Bective Rangers v Ballymena, Donnybrook
Ballynahinch v Cork Constitution, Ballymacarn Park
Lansdowne v Nenagh Ormond, The RDS, 2pm
Thomond v UCD, Liam Fitzgerald Park, 3.30pm
Malone v Blackrock, Gibson Park
UCC v Corinthians, The Mardyke
Old Belvedere v Greystones, Anglesea Road
Galwegians v Dublin University, Crowley Park
Shannon v Buccaneers, St. Munchin’s College (Coonagh and Thomond Park both unavailable)
Dolphin v Barnhall, Musgrave Park