All-Ireland League: Division 1B Previews

The four Division 1B matches down for decision this weekend are spread across two days, with former table toppers Clontarf hosting UCC on Sunday afternoon. Saturday’s action sees in-form Buccaneers’ trip to UL Bohemians topping the bill.

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, November 13

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

DUNGANNON (4th) v LANSDOWNE (3rd), Stevenson Park

All-Ireland League Season’s Form – Dungannon: LLWW; Lansdowne: LWLW
All-Ireland League Top Scorers – Dungannon: Points: Paddy Jackson 54; Tries: Craig Gilroy 4; Lansdowne: Points: Eoghan Hickey 61; Tries: Shane Gahan 3

Preview: An opportunity for Dungannon to follow up their victory over Clontarf with another success against one of the more fancied Dublin outfits.

It is impossible to know what to make of Lansdowne. They have lost their two away games to date, but scored over 100 points in anhiliating UCC and Galwegians at home.

This could well turn into a place-kicking shootout between the division’s current top two scorers – Dungannon out-half Paddy Jackson, who recently lined out for the Ireland Under-20s, and Lansdowne’s experienced number 10 Eoghan Hickey.

Both packs boast a mix of experience and youth, so a fascinating forwards battle awaits. Watch out too for elusive wingers Craig Gilroy and Shane Gahan who have both started the campaign in fine form.

Last Season’s Meetings – Lansdowne were in Division 2

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Dungannon to win by 1-5 points

GALWEGIANS (7th) v BRUFF (6th), Crowley Park

All-Ireland League Season’s Form – Galwegians: WLLL; Bruff: LLWW
All-Ireland League Top Scorers – Galwegians: Points: John Cleary 39; Tries: Ja Naughton 2; Bruff: Points: Brian Cahill 35; Tries: Cathal O’Regan, Alfie Laffan, Peter Malone, Eoin Cahill 1 each

Preview: After beating Cork Constitution in the Munster Senior Cup last weekend, a trip to Galwegians should not be too much bother for Bruff.

If only life were that simple. Although Bruff are clearly on the upgrade, Galwegians will surely provide tough opposition on their home turf.

Full-back Brendan Deady was Bruff’s only try scorer in the Limerick club’s first cup win over Cork Con. They have averaged one try per game in the league to date, and will need to improve that strike rate if they are to prosper in Glenina. Place-kicker Brian Cahill has been vital in their recent brace of Division 1B wins.

‘Wegians have been reliant on team captain John Cleary for most of their points so far, but should be able to spread the load here and end their losing run – especially with the addition of some contracted players.

Last Season’s Meetings – Bruff were in Division 2

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Galwegians to win by 1-5 points

UL BOHEMIANS (5th) v BUCCANEERS (1st), Annacotty

All-Ireland League Season’s Form – UL Bohemians: LWWL; Buccaneers: WWLW
All-Ireland League Top Scorers – UL Bohemians: Points: JJ Hanrahan 20; Tries: Tommy O’Donnell 2; Buccaneers: Points: David Connellan 25; Tries: John O’Brien, Kolo Kiripati 3 each

Preview: A very interesting game in prospect between two of the better sides in this division. Buccaneers are now on top of the table with three victories in their four league games under South African coach Hendre Marnitz.

But UL Bohemians are very formidable in front of their own supporters. They were good enough to beat Lansdowne in their last home outing and although they are fifth in the table, the difference between themselves and Buccs is only three points.

UL Bohs suffered an 18-16 defeat at the hands of Garryowen in the Munster Senior Cup last weekend, with Declan Cusack kicking the match-winning penalty in the last minute.

Jarrod Bennett could return from injury this weekend for Buccs, bolstering their ranks. The Pirates had Shane Monahan, Aidan Wynne, Brian Tuohy, Conor O’Loughlin and Dylan Rogers all involved in Connacht’s midweek triumph over Samoa, and will travel with confidence.

Last Season’s Meetings – UL Bohemians were in Division 1A

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Buccaneers to win by 1-5 points

CLONTARF (2nd) v UCC (8th), Castle Avenue (2.30pm, Sunday, November 14)

All-Ireland League Season’s Form – Clontarf: WWWL; UCC: WLLL
All-Ireland League Top Scorers – Clontarf: Points: Noel Reid 38; Tries: Sam Cronin, Michael Keating 2 each; UCC: Points: Andrew Burke 34; Tries: Brian Derham, John Ryan 2 each

Preview: Important for Clontarf to return to winning ways on Sunday after that disappointing performance when losing their unbeaten record to Dungannon, last time out.

Given that UCC are bottom of the table, and conceded 61 points to Lansdowne on their last visit to Dublin, Clontarf should not have too many problems.

‘Tarf, who include former UCC captain Sam Cronin at scrum half, will want to banish memories of a poor second half display in their recent 30-17 loss at Dungannon. Their director of rugby Bernard Jackman is determined to make Castle Avenue a fortress this season, and it is hard to see them slipping up here.

UCC will be as committed as ever under their boss Conor Twomey, who had a coaching interest in the Combined Universities XV v UCD game at Belfield last week. Eight UCC players saw action in a 41-24 victory for the Combined Universities.

Last Season’s Meetings – Clontarf were in Division 1A

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Clontarf to win by 6-10 points