Limerick's six senior clubs chase precious All-Ireland League points

ACTION in the energia All-Ireland League resumes this Saturday for Limerick's six senior rugby clubs.

This weekend's games are the reverse fixtures from the final series of ties played before the Christmas and New Year's break.

In Division 1A, fresh from their Bateman Cup final appearance in Dublin on Saturday last, Young Munster make the trip to Cork to renew rivalry with great rivals Cork Constitution at Temple Hill.

When the sides met at Clifford Park in the middle of last month, Munsters' recorded a dramatic 22-21 come-from-behind win over their provincial rivals.

A run of four straight wins has seen Ger Slattery's side move up to sixth place in the 1A table, five points off the semi-final play-off places.

Also in Division 1A, eighth-placed Shannon host table toppers Clontarf at Thomond Park's back pitch. When the sides met at Castle Avenue last month, 'Tarf recorded a 38-21 success.

Shannon did secure a precious 14-13 victory over basement side Dublin University at home earlier last month which helped ease their relegation worries.

Meanwhile, in Division 1B on Saturday, Garryowen renew rivalry with UCC, this time at the Mardyke. Last time out the two sides played out a thrilling 35-35 draw at Dooradoyle. Sixth-placed Garryowen sit one place and one point above the Cork students in the table.

Garryowen are just two points off the promotion play-off places with half of the regular season still to run.

In Division 2A, Limerick rivals Old Crescent and UL-Bohemian renew rivalry at Takumi Park. When the sides met at Annacotty last month, Old Crescent secured the bragging rights with a precious 24-20 victory.

The result saw UL-Bohemian drop to fourth place in the 2A table, while Crescent jumped up to sixth spot, two places and six points behind the Red, Red Robins.

In Division 2C this Saturday, high-flying Bruff will be looking to complete the double over Munster rivals Midleton at Towns Park. Third-placed Bruff prevailed 23-20 over the East Cork side at Kilballyowen Park.

Meanwhile, Young Munster's bid to secure a second ever All-Ireland Bateman Cup final success came unstuck in a disappointing 22-15 final defeat to holders Terenure College at Lakelands on Saturday afternoon last.

Munsters', who had beaten Terenure in the All-Ireland League at Greenfields in November, produced a resilient display throughout, despite losing a player to a red card in the 35th minute.

Indeed, the three-in-a-row Munster Senior Cup winners, who were appearing in their second Bateman Cup final in three seasons, had led their hosts 15-10 four minutes into the second half. However, two converted tries for 'Nure in the final 30 minutes helped seal a hard fought victory for the Dubliners.