Division 1A’s season-long intensity persists as we approach the 16th round of premier league games this Saturday. The top four teams are yet to cement their places in the league.
We’re entering the penultimate round of fixtures of all five leagues, happening over the upcoming three weekends. Ballynahinch, currently sitting in fifth place with 45 points, is facing a do-or-die scenario as it hosts Lansdowne, who sit in fourth place with 52 points, at Ballymacarn Park.
Initially, Lansdowne was expecting to tout Charlie Tector, however, a last-minute call took him to Parma as Leinster’s 24th man. As a replacement, Steve McMahon, the 19-year old who played a key role in the Gonzaga team’s debut victory in the Leinster Schools’ Senior Cup, will fill the shoes of the injured Stephen Madigan. The line-up will also feature Cathal Eddy, the Ireland Club XV member who had a victory fortnight ago in Portugal, along with Hardus van Eeden and former Ulster flanker, Clive Ross.
Ballynahinch will retain the successful pack that includes Ulster prop James French and number eight Greg Jones while recalling Jack Milligan, Ethan Graham and Conor Rankin. A victory for Lansdowne will almost guarantee their semi-final spot, recalling the 45-19 win in the third round played on Aviva’s back pitch, although this game promises to be more challenging.
In a parallel game last October, Constitution delivered a decisive 20-0 defeat to reigning champions Terenure at Lakelands Park. This game is crucial in achieving the much-desired home semi final, as Constitution is slightly ahead of Terenure by 3 points in the second place, having 59 points to Terenure’s 56.
Constitution seems to be in a good run of form, having won six consecutive games and recalling centre player Billy Crowley and winger Rob Jermyn. The current champions Terenure, too, are on an eight-match winning streak, and Sean Skehan has chosen to keep all seven players who secured the 20-17 win over Portugal. The game will see Terenure and Ireland Club XV captain Harrison Brewer switching to the second row while Adam Melia will be reinstated at blindside.
Clontarf, currently leading with 61 points, are set to face off against UCD, who are currently in the seventh position. The only change for Clontarf from their previous victorious lineup against Young Munster (31-12) is the return of ex-Irish Under-20 and Leinster academy winger, Aitzol King.
Trinity, currently at the bottom of the rankings, having recently saved themselves by defeating City of Armagh, have their work cut out for them in the approaching match against Young Munster. City of Armagh and Shannon, both five points ahead of Trinity, are scheduled to battle it out at Palace Grounds in a crucial game aimed at avoiding relegation.
St Mary’s have successfully bagged the top spot in 1B, ensuring their promotion, leaving five teams vying for the remaining three playoff spots. Old Wesley, in good form, will be hoping to bolster their claim to the second place in their next match against Naas. Blackrock, currently in the sixth position, are under pressure to triumph over third-placed Old Belvedere in a notable Dublin derby scheduled at Stradbrook.
Nenagh Ormond have a chance to grab the top spot in 2A if they can pull off a bonus point victory against Navan. Similarly, Instonians and Clogher Valley have the opportunity to get closer to achieving the top ranks in 2B and 2C with victories at home against Rainey and Midleton respectively.
All matches are due to kick-off at 2.30pm, barring any stated changes.
A full list of the Division Games is as follows: Division 1A (Ballynahinch vs. Lansdowne at Ballymacarn Park, City of Armagh vs. Shannon at the Palace Grounds, Cork Constitution vs. Terenure at Temple Hill, UCD vs. Clontarf at Belfield, Young Munster vs. Dublin University at Tom Clifford Park), Division 1B (Blackrock College vs. Old Belvedere at Stradbrook, Buccaneers vs. Highfield at Dubarry Park, Garryowen vs. Queens at Dooradoyle, Naas vs. Old Wesley at Forenaughts, UCC vs. St. Mary’s College at The Mardyke), Division 2A (Cashel vs. Greystones at Spafield, MU Barnhall vs. Banbridge at Parsonstown, Navan vs. Nenagh Ormond at Balreask Old, Old Crescent vs. Ballymena at Takumi Park, UL Bohemian vs. Malone at Annacotty) and Division 2B (Belfast Harlequins vs. Dungannon at Deramore Park, Dolphin vs. Skerries at Virgin Media Park).
Instionians will face Rainey at Shaws Bridge, while Malahide will play against Galway Corinthians at Estuary Road. Further, Merrion Road sees Wanderers going up against Sligo. Moving onto Division 2C, Heffernan Park will be hosting a match between Ballina and Enniscorthy, while Upritchard Park will see Bangor battling it out with Bruff. Clogher Valley and Midleton are set to compete at The Cran, and Crowley Park will be home to Galwegians v Clonmel’s match. Ending the line-up, Omagh Academicals and Tullamore will meet on the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields.