Young Munster look to resume winning ways in AIL

HIGH-FLYING Young Munster will aim to tighten their grip on top spot in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League when they host title chasing St Mary’s College at Tom Clifford Park this Saturday.

With three rounds of fixtures down for decision in the top two divisions this month, the competition is reaching a critical juncture.

Munsters’ currently enjoy a four-point lead over both Clontarf and Saturday’s opponents St Mary’s College.

Recently-crowned Limerick Charity Cup winners Munsters’ warmed up for the resumption of the AIL after a five-week break by getting the better of local rivals UL-Bohemian in a friendly on New Year’s Eve.

In-form Munsters’ have lost just one of their fixtures in the top flight this season.

Fifth-placed Garryowen will be looking to continue their excellent record on the road when they travel to face sixth-placed Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium. Three of Garryowen’s four wins have come away from home.

Seventh-placed Shannon will look to re-juvenate their campaign when they lock horns with basement side Blackrock College at Stradbrook.

Shannon lie seventh in the table, a full 11 points off Young Munster.

Both Garryowen and Shannon will also be hoping to record victories so as to pick up some valuable winning momentum ahead of the side’s eagerly awaited clash at Dooradoyle on Friday week, January 13.

Meanwhile, in Division 1B, sixth-placed UL-Bohemian will hope to get their promotion bid back on track by beating third-from-bottom Galwegians at Crowley Park.

Bruff, who are aiming to move out of the relegation zone, face a long trip to Stevenson Park where they take on fourth-placed Dungannon.

Action in Division 2A, which features both Old Crescent and Thomond, resumes on Saturday, January 28.

ULSTER Bank All-Ireland League fixtures for Saturday, January 7: (All games 2.30pm)

Division 1A: Blackrock College v Shannon, Stradbrook; Lansdowne v Garryowen, Aviva Stadium; Young Munster v St Mary’s College, Tom Clifford Park

Division 1B: Dungannon v Bruff, Stevenson Park; Galwegians v UL-Bohemian, Crowley Par