A look at the AIB Cup

Blackrock College v Cork Constitution, Stradbrook - Blackrock lose Gary Brown

to Leinster selection, but will be targeting this competition as the best chance of silverware this season. Winning a knockout scenario should be a familiar feeling for the graduates of the local school. Rock captain Des Dillon also led Clongowes to the 1998 Leinster Senior Cup.

Referee: S McDowell (Ulster).

Verdict: Away win.

Malone v Bruff

Gibson Park - A unique fixture. Malone are undefeated at home this season and are in a decent position to gain promotion to the top-flight. Bruff are top of Division Three.

Referee: E O'Dowd (Leinster).

Verdict: Home win.

Clontarf v De La Salle Palmerston

Castle Avenue - The renewal of an old rivalry. Both clubs are connected by former coach Phil Werahiko. Tarf should prevail.

Referee: D Philips (Leinster).

Verdict: Home win.

UCC v Shannon

Mardyke - Another old fixture that is revived by this competition. Shannon are on course for the treble having captured the Munster Senior Cup last weekend. UCC may struggle against the powerful Shannon pack.

Referee: D McCormack (Munster).

Verdict: Away win.

UCD v UL Bohemians

Belfield Bowl - UL have beaten the students in the last three encounters and will be expected to continue that dominance here although UCD have been bucking the trend this season.

Referee: P Ferguson (Ulster).

Verdict: Home win.

Garryowen v Ballymena

Dooradoyle - Garryowen have beaten Ballymena in the latter's three previous visits to Limerick and the defending champions should prevail again.

Referee: J Carvill (Leinster).

Verdict: Home win.

Galwegians v Old Belvedere

Crowley Park - A tight encounter that should go with home advantage on the premise that Old Belvedere have lost all three league games on the road this season.

Referee: P Fitzgibbon (Munster)

Verdict: Home win.

Postponed - St Mary's College v Clonakilty, AIL Connemara v Ards.