A LARGELY injury-free Bective squad prepare to meet a similarly fit Dolphin team in the top match of the Division Two programme on Saturday at Musgrave Park. Andrew Johnson, who injured his, knee when Bective played Garryowen, remains out of contention but the Dublin club remain confident of fielding a strong side where the pack particularly have shown top form. Out-half Vinny Cunningham is coming back to the boil, too.
Although Dolphin have not yet named their squad, they anticipate a trouble free selection. It is likely that they will name the same team that defeated Sunday's Well on January 11th.
It is a difficult week for Clontarf. Following last night's match against Wanderers under lights, they must face into Saturday when they are hosts to NIFC. Two games in four days with a number of injury worries is not the ideal run for Clontarf at the moment.
Shane Guerin has another six weeks out with knee ligament trouble while Ken Lawless has two" or three weeks to go before his neck injury allows him to come back into contention. Brent Pope, also faces the disappointment of a fracture to his hand which has not healed up as he might have hoped. The broken bone apparently did not set as it should have.
Neither Sunday's Well or Greystones, who meet at Dr Hickey Park, have named their teams. The Cork club appear to have a full squad from which to pick while Greystones continue to have their injury problems.
Michael Carney shipped a heavy tackle against Derry and, after a visit to hospital, was told to rest for 10 days. That time is now up and it is hoped that he will take a full part in the game. Michael Hanley has been troubled with a hamstring injury while Ross Doyle's six-week suspension for a sending-off offence keeps him on the sideline.
DLSP are not scheduled to play until January 29th when they meet Wanderers, but they have arranged a friendly against division three side Queens University at Kilternan. Rohan Garvey goes into his first full match for his club since returning from Australia. DLSP also welcome back Dylan Clancey, who can play fullback and in the centre, three-quarter Dave Byrne and front-row Nigel Condren, all of whom will be welcome additions to the depth of the squad.
In the third division, Bohemians are intent on not again missing out on promotion by one point. Currently in joint second place with Saturday's opposition Buccaneers, Bohemians have a critical two weeks to keep their plans on line as they go on to meet divisional leaders Galwegians on, February 8th.