A look ahead to this weekend's action in the All Ireland League:
SATURDAY
(2.30pm unless stated)
Ballymena v Terenure College (2.0)
Eaton Park
We'll go for a home win, on the premise that the wheels are creaking on Terenure's return to top flight, while Ballymena have a big enough pack to handle the visitors' intimidating rolling maul.
Referee: T Collins (Munster). Last three matches: Ballymena- WLW, Terenure- LLL. Verdict: Home win.
Buccaneers v Garryowen
Dubarry Park
Buccaneers boast the leading scorer in the league in Tom Cregan (68 points) who is a Shannon man by birth, as is coach Geoff Moylan, so motivation will not be a problem. Victory is less clear cut as the kicking stats of Conor Kilroy are consistent enough to negate Cregan's influence.
Referee: D Wilkinson (Ulster). Last three matches: Buccaneers- DWD, Garryowen- WWW. Verdict: Away win.
Clontarf v Blackrock College
Castle Avenue
This all-Dublin encounter will see a dip in spectators for the second half as the Leinster game kicks off at 3.30. Clontarf's recent return to form should fend off Blackrock - unless the visiting pack supply enough possession to get the 'Rock threequarters purring.
Referee: J Carvill (Ulster). Last three matches: Clontarf- WWW, Blackrock- WLW. Verdict: Away win.
Dungannon v UCD
Stevenson Park
Despite a minor revival two weeks ago against Terenure, the students' propensity for leaking points (161) and tries (23) leave them facing into a new year of uncertainty. Dungannon, under Jeremy Davidson, have a habit of eking out a win when it becomes essential. Here is such an occasion.
Referee: G English (Munster). Last three matches: Dungannon- WLW, UCD- LWL. Verdict: Home win.
Lansdowne v Galwegians
Lansdowne Road
A momentous occasion simply because it marks a farewell to the old stadium by Lansdowne RFC - followed by Wanderers against Instonians at 4pm in Division Three.
Hard game to call as Galwegians are a serious proposition when they parachute in their Welsh mercenaries but Lansdowne's impressive home form should repel the onslaught.
Referee: L Cogan (Munster). Last three matches: Lansdowne- LWW, Galwegians- DWL. Verdict: Home win.
UL Bohemian v Belfast Harlequins
Annacotty
Ideal game for UL to revive what begun as a promising campaign. If Ben Martin can get the league's leading try scorer (six), Martin McPhail, into space expect a bonus point.
Referee: E O'Dowd (Leinster). Last three matches: UL Bohemians- LLL, Belfast Harlequins- LLL. Verdict: Home win.
SUNDAY
Cork Constitution v Shannon
Temple Hill
This game was wisely switched to Sunday to avoid a tough decision for the diehard club supporter - Munster are hosting Cardiff this evening. Cork Con are the form team but peak performance must be maintained to the summer months - something they failed to do last season.
Referee: D Keane (Leinster). Last three matches: Cork Constitution- WWW, Shannon- WWL. Verdict: Home win.
Dolphin v St Mary's College
Musgrave Park
Dolphin have struggled recently but will target this fixture for a return to winning ways. St Mary's, however, must deliver on two years of redevelopment sooner or later. And there is Jonathan Sexton at outhalf.
Referee: A Rogan (Leinster). Last three matches: Dolphin- LLW, St Mary'sLLD. Verdict: Away win.
