The weekend's matches previewed
DIVISION ONE SEMI-FINALS
Clontarf v Garryowen
Castle Avenue, 2.30
Garryowen hit a cold streak in December when they stumbled to defeats against Buccaneers, Cork Con, UCD and Terenure. Only one of these teams were title contenders so Paul Cunningham's lot looked set for an also ran finish.
Then something clicked into gear. Paul Neville leads a clued-in bunch on to the Castle Avenue turf this afternoon. Not only did they mug Belfast Harlequins in the AIB Cup final but a marvellous run of five victories down the home stretch, including a 12-10 win at Clontarf on April 7th, has them brimming full of confidence this afternoon.
Eoghan Hickey and Conor Kilroy provides two reliable kicking options. Hickey's failure to cement a place in the Munster squad - he departs for London Irish next season - has been to the benefit of Garryowen. While yet to find his place in the professional ranks, the former De La Salle, Churchtown, schoolboy is a cut above the average club player.
In contrast, Clontarf's lack of control at pivot may prove costly. Elsewhere, they are solid, with former Leinster flanker Simon Crawford having a particularly impressive campaign. Garryowen are without John O'Sullivan due to Munster selection but they are well stocked at backrow with Neville, Peter Malone and Anthony Kavanagh.
The Limerick boys' momentum should edge it.
Referee: A Lewis (ARLB). Verdict: Away win.
Cork Constitution v UL Bohemians
Temple Hill, 2.30 (Live RTÉ2)
This has been Cork Cons' title to lose since Christmas. They have been the best team throughout the league. Now comes the final push.
Brian Walsh has built a squad littered with former underage representatives who fell marginally short of the professional ranks, which makes for a highly competent club side.
They also come into this semi-final on form, having overcome Ballymena last weekend despite already securing a home semi-final. They even rested a raft of frontliners. Their scoring arsenal looks too strong for UL Bohs, with Richard Lane (10 tries) and Cronan Healy (six tries) particularly elusive attackers.
Also, the reforming of Tom Gleeson from outside to inside centre, á la Gordon D'Arcy, has proved a significant benefit. Denis Hurley is also playing the best rugby of his life.
The pack's relentless continuity game provides scope for the threequarters to shine.
Defeat to Blackrock last Saturday stained UL Bohs' impressive run to the semi-finals and crucially denied them a home tie. The absence of Ireland under-21 Ian Hanley is a significant loss, although flanker Aidan O'Gorman has been passed fit.
Still, Con have the look of champions in the making.
Referee: G Clancy (MAR). Verdict: Home win.
DIVISION TWO FINAL
Old Belvedere v Greystones
Templeville Road, 4pm
Both sides will be playing in Division One next season so this is more a contest to decide the first among equals.
Under New Zealand-born director of rugby Mike O'Donovan, Old Belvedere seem well equipped for the return to top flight although the loss of Andy Dunne seems certain as the former Irish schools outhalf has signed for Connacht. He lines out at fullback today.
Along with Leinster flanker Richie Leyden and Polish international prop Marcin Wilczuk, Dunne should provide the difference in quality this afternoon.
OLD BELVEDERE: A Dunne; P Treacy, B Kinsella, D Sharkey, K Barden; R Monaghan, R Gleeson; M Wilczuk, D Gavin, B Kos; S Hutton, E Jackman; R Leyden, D Shanley, S Rockett.
GREYSTONES: D McKenna; R Carroll, C McNaughton, A Higgs, S Malone; J Power, S Cranley; B Clancy, A O'Sullivan, J Hagan; B Holmes, N Megannety; S Abbott, R Connolly, G Herrera.
DIVISION THREE FINAL
Wanderers v Bruff, Templeville Road, 2pm
BRUFF: B Deady; F Hogan, J Carroll, E Cahill, J Malone; B Cahill, T Cahill; D Horan, C O'Regan, G Ryan; D Murnane, S Danagher; J Taylor, J Shine, M Carroll.
WANDERERS: D Hunt; J Gibson, R Likely, H Davies, D Fitzgerald; B Tracey, B O'Brien; P Greene, B Cantrell, G Fitzgerald; V Ball, P Ryan; K Kiripati, E Wardell, P Simone
