Garryowen and Young Munster chase AIL 1A wins

ULSTER Bank League Previews, Saturday, February 6

DIVISION 1A

Garryowen v Lansdowne, Dooradoyle, Saturday, 2.30pm

GARRYOWEN host Dublin oppostion at Dooradoyle for the second Saturday running although the Limerick side can expect a stiffer test from Lansdowne than the one provided by a struggling Old Belvedere outfit last time out.

Conan Doyle’s Garryowen side currently sits in third place in the top flight table, just two points ahead of fifth-placed Lansdowne.

Garryowen’s weekend win over Belvo’ was the ‘Light Blues’ second victory in five AIL fixtures.

Lansdowne, who have now won three games on the bounce in Division 1A, saw off leaders UCD last time out at the Aviva Stadium.

If Garryowen are to maintain their top four play-off hopes, then winning their home games is going to be crucial. Neil Cronin has been in excellent goal-kicking form for the sdie who were promoted back up from Division 1B at the end of last season.

Captain Josh Hrstich leads up example at number eight, while the presence of Munster’s Jordan Coghlan provided another major boost to the Garryowen back-row last weekend.

Coghlan is a powerful ball carrier, highly adept at the breakdown. 

Prediction: Garryowen

Old Belvedere v Young Munster - Anglesea Road - Saturday, 2.30pm

IN-FORM Young Munster made it six wins from their last seven fixtures in the Ulster Bank League when edging Cork Con by a single point at Temple Hill on Saturday.

It was a sweet success for Munsters’ coach David Corkery against his former club and the victory ensured the third-placed Limerick side completed a significant ‘home and away’ double over Con in the AIl this season.

Munsters’ sit fourth in the table, two points behind Garryowen.

The Greenfields side will look to boost their play-off hopes in the coming weeks as they face a run of very winnable fixtures, the Old Belvo’ clash followed by a re-arranged tie with Galwegians and a home game with Ballynahinch. Belvo’ have lost their last four t fixtures and won just one of their last seven AIL outings.

Prediction: Young Munster