A preview of the weekend's matches

DIVISION 1 A (2.30)

Cork Constitution v Shannon

Temple Hill

Con lost for only the second time this season when beaten by Young Munster and will miss a couple of players on duty with Munster in Italy. Shannon have Marcus Horan in the frontrow and should carry some momentum into the game with last week’s win over St Mary’s College.

Verdict: Cork Constitution.

Garryowen v Blackrock College Dooradoyle

This is a straight up, no frills relegation scrap between the bottom two sides in the table. Blackrock have been slightly more consistent in terms of performance but the mercurial home side can snatch this one.

Verdict: Garryowen.

Old Belvedere v Young Munster, Anglesea Road

The pitch was an absolute quagmire last week and given the recent weather it won’t have improved much. Belvedere would love a decent surface to launch their backs while their Limerick visitors won’t be quite as choosy. It’ll be a big test for the home pack and they will have a big say in the outcome.

Verdict: Old Belvedere.

St Mary’s College v Dolphin Templeville Road

The home side have lost their way a little bit of late but have a chance to right a listing ship though improving Dolphin will fancy winning this one. But provided Mary’s produce a positive reaction to last week’s defeat they should prevail.

Verdict: St Mary’s College.

Clontarf v Dungannon

Castle Avenue

The home side lost last week to Buccaneers but should bounce back. Verdict: Clontarf

Galwegians v Lansdowne

Crowley Park

Lansdowne received a wake-up call to their ambitions last week and Galwegians may bear the brunt.

Verdict: Lansdowne

UCC v Buccaneers

Mardyke

UCC’s relegation worries are unlikely to be eased today.

Verdict: Buccaneers

UL Bohemian v Bruff

Annacotty

The students produced a great away win over Lansdowne last weekend and that should give them some impetus.

Verdict: UL Bohemian.

– John O’Sullivan