Young Munster travel to UCD needing a win as AIL returns

The All Ireland League returns from a three week break with Young Munster badly in need of a victory.

The Cookies are five points clear of bottom side Terenure but are precariously in the play-off position.

Gearoid Prendergast’s outfit are three points off UCC, the team immediately ahead of them but haven’t won a league game since last October when they beat the Cork college 23-17 at Tom Clifford Park.

Munsters have only two wins this season and have struggled throughout the campaign. A win over UCD would give Prendergast a huge boost. Kick off at Belfield is at 2:30pm on Saturday.

Garryowen continue their quest for a semi final spot when they welcome Terenure to Dooradoyle on Saturday afternoon.

Conan Doyle’s side will expect to earn maximum points from this game. If they do so, the Light Blues have a chance of leapfrogging Clontarf who travel to top of the table Cork Con.

Doyle could have out half Ben Healy available for selection despite his inclusion in the Ireland U-20 squad. Healy has played no part in Ireland’s victories over England and Scotland.

Shannon face a tricky test when they make the trip to play Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium. Tom Hayes’ men have enjoyed a stable return to Division 1A this season. They beat UCD before the break but will face a Lansdowne side that are second in the table.

Shannon are likely to be without Jake Flannery and Craig Casey due to international commitments with the Irish U-20 side but are more than capable of giving Lansdowne a tough afternoon.

In Division 2A, both UL Bohs and Old Crescent play on Friday night. Bohs welcome Cashel to UL at 8pm hoping to consolidate fourth position.

However, Cashel are one of the form teams and have their eye on earning a playoff place at best.

Old Crescent are looking to build on their impressive recent form when they visit Nenagh Ormond. The break came at the worst time for Crescent but they should have enough to make it three wins on the bounce.

Elsewhere, Bruff look to continue their promotion push when they head up north to take on Omagh.

A win for the Co Limerick side could see them jump ahead of second placed Midleton. Bruff have enjoyed a fine season, winning eight of their 11 games. Thomond also face northern opposition when they welcome City of Derry to Liam Fitzgerald Park.

In the Women’s AIL, UL Bohs made up ground on top of the table Railway Union by beating them 35-19 at the University of Limerick’s 4G pitch.

Niamh Briggs scored 15 points from out half, while Clodagh O’Halloran, Edel Murphy, Chloe Pearse and Rosie Newton also crossed over UL Bohs tries. Their next game is Saturday, February 23 at home to Cooke.