#EnergiaAIL Play-Off Fixtures This Week
Shannon winger Josh Costello is pictured during their Division 1A match against UCD ©INPHO/James Lawlor
A big weekend in the Men’s Divisions of the Energia All-Ireland League with promotion and relegation battles to be decided, while there is promotion at stake in the Women’s Division.
ENERGIA ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE MEN’S DIVISIONS:
Saturday, April 20
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Division 1A Semi-Finals
At the business end of the top flight, it is semi-final time with defending champions Terenure College at home to Dublin rivals Lansdowne, and second-placed Cork Constitution entertaining Clontarf. Both matches will be streamed live here on IrishRugby.ie, and on the Irish Rugby TV YouTube channel.
Cork Constitution v Clontarf, Temple Hill – live here
Terenure College v Lansdowne, Lakelands Park, 4.30pm – live here
Division 1A Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs
Shannon finished ninth in Division 1A, meaning they have to negotiate the play-offs in order to avoid relegation. They have home advantage against Old Belvedere, who edged out Highfield to finish fourth on scoring difference in Division 1B.
The other semi-final sees Old Wesley at home to Garryowen. Both teams won their respective home match during the regular season. The Light Blues posted an 18-12 victory back in November, before Wesley won 21-10 at Energia Park last month.
Old Wesley v Garryowen, Energia Park
Shannon v Old Belvedere, Thomond Park back pitch
Division 1B Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs
There is a hugely exciting Ulster derby on the cards at Dub Lane on Saturday afternoon – Queen’s University, who finished second from bottom in Division 1B, host Banbridge, the fourth place finishers from Division 2A.
Cashel and MU Barnhall finished just two points apart in the third tier, and bucked the home advantage trend by both winning on the road. The Tipperary outfit won 24-19 in November, while February’s return fixture saw the Blue Bulls takes a 21-12 verdict.
Cashel v MU Barnhall, Spafield
Queen’s University v Banbridge, Dub Lane
Division 2A Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs
The fate of UL Bohemian was sealed on the final day of the regular season when they lost to Nenagh Ormond to finish second-from-bottom in Division 2A. They face a Sligo side that finished fourth in Division 2B with 59 points from 11 wins, including a handsome 10 try-scoring bonus points.
Galway Corinthians never let up the pressure on Instonians in Division 2B, but just could not quite catch them. Their second place finish gives them home advantage against Wanderers whom they beat twice during the league, albeit by a single point on the last day.
UL Bohemian v Sligo, Annacotty
Galway Corinthians v Wanderers, Corinthian Park
Division 2B Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs
Dolphin welcome Enniscorthy to Virgin Media Park having finished second-from-bottom in Division 2B. Their visitors claimed fourth spot in Division 2C with ten wins and a healthy points difference, albeit that they slipped up to Omagh Academicals on the last day.
Galwegians, who host Bruff in the other semi-final, ran Clogher Valley close in the race for automatic promotion, finishing just five points behind them. These teams drew 26-all at Crowley Park in November, before Bruff’s 32-30 success at home last month.
Dolphin v Enniscorthy, Virgin Media Park
Galwegians v Bruff, Crowley Park
ENERGIA ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE WOMEN’S DIVISION PROMOTION PLAY-OFF FINAL:
Sunday, April 21
Tullow and Queen’s University go head-to-head in the promotion play-off final for a place in the Women’s Division of the Energia All-Ireland League for next season.
Tullow v Queen’s University, Balbriggan RFC, 11.30am