Limerick clubs eye crucial fixtures in All-Ireland League schedule

THE energia All-Ireland League resumes this weekend with Limerick's seven senior clubs facing crucial fixtures.

In Division 1A, Young Munster, seeking just their second win of the campaign, host great rivals Cork Constitution in a crucial fixture.

Munsters’ suffered a heavy 34-12 defeat away to UCD at Belfield last time out. The students outscored their visitors who had secured their only win of the campaign in their previous outing, by five tries to two.

The defeat sees Munsters' sit in seventh place in the top flight table, now nine points off the top four play-off places and two points clear of ninth-placed Old Belvedere ahead of Saturday's crucial meeting with Cork Con.

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In Division 1B this Saturday, Garryowen entertain Dublin University at Dooradoyle. Last time out, five-try Garryowen recorded a precious 29-15 bonus point away against City of Armagh at the Palace Grounds. The Light Blues are up to fourth place in the table as a result of their third win of the AIL season.

In the Division 2A action this Saturday, Shannon host Corinthians of Galway on the back pitch at Thomond Park with an earlier kick-off time of 1.30pm. the early kick-off time is a result of Munster playing the Stormers in a crucial top-of-the-table URC fixture at Thomond Park later in the day.

Shannon recorded a gritty 10-7 victory over Greystones at Dr Hickey Park last time out. The result has seen the Parish side jump up to fourth place in the table, four points behind second-placed Corinthians with a third of the regular season now complete.

Also in Division 2A this Saturday, Old Crescent host Wanderers at Takumi Park on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Old Crescent succumbed 7-15 to Banbridge at Rifle Park last time out. The Rosbrien side have dropped to second-from-bottom in the table. Crescent have won just two of their opening six AIL fixtures.

In Division 2 B this Saturday, UL-Bohemian travel to Hamilton Park to take on Sligo. Kick-off time is at 2pm.

UL-Bohemian suffered a heavy 21-43 defeat to seven-try Galwegians in their top-of-the-table clash at UL North Campus in their last outing earlier this month.

This was UL-Bohs first defeat of the campaign. The second-placed Red, Red Robins now trail leaders Galwegians by six points.
In Division 2C, leaders Thomond are on the road to Dublin to face Monkstown at Park Avenue.

Thomond suffered their first defeat of the campaign when losing out 22-24 to Clonmel at Ard Gaoithe last time out. The result sees the Limerick side's lead over second-placed Clonmel trimmed to just three points. 

Also in 2C this Saturday, Bruff host Belfast Harlequins at Kilballyowen Park. Bruff had to make-do with picking up a losing bonus point in their 15-21 defeat to Malahide at Ashbourne RFC last time out.Bruff have dropped to sixth place as a result.

In the Women's Division, high-flying UL-Bohemian travel to Ashtown Lane to take on Wicklow at 2pm on Saturday.