All-Ireland League previews

Gavin Cummiskeypreviews this weekend's action in the AIL Division One.

Belfast Harlequins v Dungannon(Deramore Park) If Belfast Harlequins are to ever crawl out of this nightmarish predicament - former coach Andre Bester has a lot to answer for - then the sight of Ulster rivals Dungannon should provide the motivation. But probably not.

Referee: D Wilkinson (Ulster).
Last three matches: Belfast Harlequins - L L L. Dungannon - W W L.
Verdict: Away win.

Blackrock College v Lansdowne(Stradbrook):  Statistically speaking, Lansdowne remain the odds on bet. Historically speaking, they look superior, seeking a third successive victory in this fixture. Blackrock's injury/absentee list further weakens their chances. And yet, a home victory looks probable if their Leinster hand-me downs, including Emmet Farrell and the in-form Fionn Carr, take the field.

Referee: P Haycock (Leinster).
Last three matches: Blackrock - L W L. Lansdowne - W L W.
Verdict:Home win.

Galwegians v Dolphin(Crowley Park): With Galwegians coach Paul Young drafting in his Welsh compatriots and Connacht free this weekend the Cork visitors could feel the full force of the westerners attempts to shake off their AIL also-rans tag.

Referee: S McDowell (Ulster).
Last three matches: Galwegians - L D W. Dolphin - W L L.
Verdict: Home win.

Garryowen v Cork Constitution(Dooradoyle): Garryowen beat Cork Con 18-13 last weekend in the Munster Cup final at Thomond Park, while they are also attempting to revive their campaign after slipping up away to Buccaneers in December. Garryowen, just, in a possible dress rehearsal of a semi-final or final.

Referee: D Courtney (Leinster).
Last three matches: Garryowen - L W W. Cork Con - D W W.
Verdict: Home win.

Shannon v Clontarf(Thomond Park): Clontarf are seeking a fifth consecutive victory, which would confirm a remarkable revival during what initially appeared to be a season of rebuilding. At the very least, they must not capitulate as they are back in Thomond next week for the AIB Cup. Former Shannon scrumhalf Fiach O'Loughlin leads Clontarf today.

Referee: A Rolland (Leinster)
Last three matches: Shannon - D W W. Clontarf - W W W.
Verdict: Home win.

St Mary's College v UL Bohemians(Templeville Road): Two teams in freefall. UL Bohemians recently ended a three-game losing streak but beating the hapless Belfast Harlequins at home hardly counts. St Mary's are without Jonathan Sexton after the outhalf's promotion to the professional ranks. Without his quality they are in serious trouble.

Referee: C Stanley (Ulster)
Last three matches: St Mary's - L L L. UL Bohs - W L L.
Verdict: Away win.

Terenure College v Buccaneers(Lakelands Park): Terenure are another team to capitulate after an initial bright return to the top flight. Defeat here would be five on the trot, making relegation a genuine concern. Buccaneers merely have to maintain the form that despatched Garryowen pre-Christmas.

Referee: M Hermin (Ulster)
Last three matches: Terenure - L L L. Buccaneers - W D W.
Verdict: Away win.

UCD v Ballymena(Belfield):  Ballymena finally injected some momentum into a terrible season but this has been diminished by the Christmas break. Still, they'll approach this contest with the intention of bullying the students' fledgling pack around the Bowl. Dirk Strydom should add the extras.

Referee: G Clancy (Limerick)
Last three matches: UCD - L L W. Ballymena - W W L.
Verdict: Away win.