UCD fancied despite defeat

Despite wins for Bohemians, Carlow, Richmond, Monkstown and NIFC, UCD are still fancied for honours in Division Three - even after their defeat at the hands of Bohemians last weekend.

Both the students and the home side appear to have come through the contest relatively intact with Bohemians declaring no real worries except for the few expected knocks. Neither clubs have selected for next week's fixtures when college entertain Galway Corinthians and Bohemians travel to Instonians.

Corinthians were disappointing against NIFC, going down 6-22, but reported no injuries. Trinity are also looking to improve on last week's defeat to Carlow, another of the big hitters in the division. Second row Willy Robb sustained a hand injury in that game and it will not be known until tomorrow whether or not he will be fit to play. Full-back Wil Martell has also undergone arthroscopic surgery on a knee injury and like Robb a decision on his fitness will be delayed. If Martell is unfit, Shay McLoughlin will move from the wing into the full-back position as he did last week. Dave Malone may well then come into the picture.

Monkstown have not yet selected and do not, at this stage, report any problematic injuries. Looking for three wins before the Christmas break, Monkstown have now won four friendlies and their first AIL match under new New Zealand coach Dustin Watts, after a miserable Kitty O'Shea campaign. Highfield, who went down to Richmond 11-6 and now face the prospect of Carlow in Oakpark, are also playing wait and see. Scrum-half Billy Quinlan and front row Brendan Crowley both picked up knocks, but nothing too serious. For Carlow, Andrew Melville is still out injured.

In Division Four, Suttonians face the struggling Queen's University in Dublin. A definite non-starter for Suttonians is Mick Fitzsimmons who is back in training after a five-week lay-off. He may not be fit until next month. Eamon McKeon, stricken last year with injury, returns as captain.

Banbridge meet buoyant Collegians, but will do so without second row Stephen Whitten, who unfortunately left the game against Ballina with a broken leg.