Limerick clubs face crucial fixtures in rugby's All-Ireland League

ROUND 12 of the energia All-Ireland League takes place this Saturday with Limerick's six senior clubs all facing crucial fixtures.

In Division 1A, sixth-placed Young Munster, fresh from their bonus point Limerick derby win over Shannon last weekend, host fellow play-off chasers Dublin University in a crucial fixture at Tom Clifford Park on Saturday, 2.30pm.

Munsters' five point haul from the fixture against Shannon moved Gearoid Prendergast's sixth-placed side to within two points of the semi-final play-off positions with now just seven games to go in the regular season. Munsters' had a try bonus point in safe-keeping by half-time on Saturday evening as they enjoyed a 24-15 interval lead.

Shannon, who picked up two precious bonus points in their 31-27 defeat to Munsters' face a crunch fixture away to UCD at Belfield this Saturday.

Shannon, who hit back strongly in the second half to take those two bonus points, moved out of the relegation zone as a result, albeit the Parish side are just one point clear of Saturday's opponents, ninth-placed UCD.

Also in Division 1A, basement side Garryowen remain without a win after 11 series of games following their 7-24 defeat away to Ballynahinch.

Relegation-threatened Garryowen host Lansdowne at Dooradoyle this Saturday in a crunch fixture.

Garryowen are now 15 points adrift of ninth-placed UCD and the Light Blues sit 16 points behind Shannon, who have moved out of the relegation play-off position in the battle for survival in the AILs top flight.

Meanwhile, in Division 2A, seventh-placed Old Crescent host Cashel at Takumi Park at 2.30pm. Crescent's scheduled fixture away to Ballymena last weekend was called off due to an unplayable pitch. Crescent are eight points behind Saturday's opponents, fourth-placed Cashel, in the Division 2A table.

Also in 2A this Saturday, basement side UL-Bohemian take a trip to Stradbrook to take on Blackrock College. UL-Bohemian suffered a narrow 19-17 defeat to Navan RFC at ULs North Campus last Saturday.

The result sees the Annacotty side remain bottom of the 2A table, but are only one point behind second-from-bottom placed Dolphin. UL-Bohs are now seven points shy of safety in the battle to avoid relegation to 2B.

In Division 2C, Bruff will be hoping to get back to winning ways when hosting Sunday's Well at Kilballyowen Park on Saturday, 2.30pm. Fifth-placed Bruff, now six points off the top four spots, suffered a 23-10 defeat to Clonmel in South Tipperary last weekend.

Saturday's opponents Sunday's Well are propping up the Division 2C table.