The bad weather has claimed two of the scheduled AIB Cup quarter-finals, with the Cork Constitution v Queen’s University and Dolphin v Galwegians games being called off. That means all the focus will be on Eaton Park and Stradbrook this Saturday afternoon as two tasty interprovincial clashes take centre stage.
AIB CUP: QUARTER-FINALS: Saturday, November 21
BALLYMENA v OLD BELVEDERE, Eaton Park, 2pm
Preview: This is the second meeting this season for these two Division 1B sides. Last time out, ‘Belvo won by seven points at Anglesea Road in the league. The Dublin side have maintained their position at the top of Division 1B, with the Braidmen seven points adrift in seventh place.
Ballymena knocked out Bective Rangers in the second round and enjoyed a good win over Young Munster last time out, though they have lost their last two league games.
Old Belvedere come into this game having accounted for Greystones and notably Clontarf last time out. Eaton Park should witness some good honest cup rugby on Saturday so if you are in the area support your club!
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Old Belvedere to win by 1-5 points
BLACKROCK COLLEGE v GARRYOWEN, Stradbrook, 2.30pm
Preview: Blackrock lost in the AIB Cup final to Shannon two seasons back and probably feel their name should be on the trophy. They will have to do it the hard way this weekend if they want to earn it.
Garryowen won this competition in 2007 and being from Munster they know a thing or two about cup rugby.
‘Rock have beaten Malone and Division 2 high flyers Lansdowne en route to the quarter-finals. Their league form sees them in second place in Division 1A but they have lost their last two games.
Their flying back-line may struggle if the conditions do not suit but they did put 48 points on the Dooradoyle side when they met at the start of the season. The Light Blues will not want a repeat of that scoreline, so Stradbrook should be in for an interesting game.
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Blackrock College to win by 6-10 points
CORK CONSTITUTION v QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, Temple Hill, 2.30pm (Match postponed due to adverse weather conditions)
Preview: Queen’s University have flown the flag for Division 3 in the AIB Cup to date this season. Indeed, they are the only non-Division 1 side left in the competition. Their reward is a quarter-final against last season’s beaten finalists Cork Con.
Queen’s, with Robbie Moore and Brian Robinson at the helm, demolished County Carlow in the first round and then accounted for Dungannon before claiming a resounding win over UCC last time out.
Their league form has been equally impressive, winning four out of five matches to date and sitting only a point behind leaders Midleton.
Cork Con have had a reasonable start to the season. Their cup form has been good, having gained revenge for the final defeat by beating holders Ballynahinch in round 2 and they then ousted reigning AIB League champions Shannon in round 3. They also sit third in Division 1A despite losing two games earlier in the season.
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Cork Constitution to win by 6-10 points
DOLPHIN v GALWEGIANS, Musgrave Park, 2.30pm (Match postponed due to adverse weather conditions)
Preview: This one looks set to go the way of the home side. Dolphin have already beaten Cork Constitution, Shannon and Clontarf in Division 1A of the AIB League, though they came unstuck against St. Mary’s College.
They have beaten Barnhall and Belfast Harlequins in the cup and this season’s half-back axis of Sam Cronin and Barry Keeshan have controlled games well for them.
‘Wegians, by contrast, have struggled for league form in Division 1B with two wins in five games. They did, however, sneak a win over leaders Old Belvedere last time out and will buoyed by that success.
The Galway men have accounted for two sets of students in the cup so far – knocking out Dublin University and then UCD.
The draw for the semi-finals will be made on RTE’s Sportsbag on 2FM on Sunday morning.
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Dolphin to win by 1-5 points
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