High flying Munsters welcome leaders Con to Greenfields

Following three wins on the bounce in the All Ireland League (AIL), Young Munsters welcome Division 1A leaders Cork Constitution to Tom Clifford Park in the final fixture of 2019. The sides will meet three times over the coming weeks in back to back AIL games with the Munster Senior Cup Final at Musgrave Park sandwiched in between.

Munsters come into the first meeting with Con this season after a stunning comeback victory Ballynahinch last weekend. The Cookies were 24-7 down at the break with Jordan Stewart accounting for their try, but efforts from Fintan Coleman, Conor Bartley and a sensational Evan Cusack solo run saw Munsters draw level.

Cusack then converted his own try to give Gearoid Prendergast’s side their third win on the trot and a spot in the playoff places. Munsters side face a Cork Con outfit that have been sensational in the eight rounds of AIL Division 1A so far this season.

Con have the best attack and defence in the division, but Munsters will go into the game full of confidence after their recent form. The sides meet again in Musgrave Park on Friday week in the Munster Senior Cup Final with Munsters aiming to win their eighth title.

Garryowen will be hoping that their near neighbours can do them a favour as they look to cut the gap on Con at the top of the table. The Light Blues moved into second place in Division 1A behind Cork Con with a bonus point 25-10 win over UCC in Dooradoyle on Saturday.

Tries from Cian Hurley, Dave McCarthy, Colm Quilligan and Johnny Keane ensured the victory from Conan Doyle’s men. Garryowen make the trip to third from bottom UCD this weekend and will be hoping to earn maximum points against the Belfield outfit.

In Division 1B, Shannon responded from a home defeat last week to get back on track with following a 24-11 victory over St Mary’s College at Thomond Park’s back pitch. St Mary’s led 6-3 at the break, but Shannon found form in the second stanza. A penalty try put Shannon ahead, but Mary’s hit back with a try of their own.

Shannon dominated the game from then on with scores from Ikem Uguweru and Pa Ryan earning the win. Tadhg Bennett’s men face top of the table Highfield away from home in their next game. Highfield are 11 points clear of fourth placed Shannon going into the game.

In Division 2A, UL Bohs moved off the bottom of the table following a resounding 50-24 home win over Dolphin. Bohs led 19-12 at half time thanks to tries from Robbie Bourke, Colin Madden and Ogie Scannell.

Jamie McNamara then bagged a second half hat-trick, while Jamie Shanahan and Jack Foley also got on the scoresheet. Bohs make the short trip to Tipperary and third placed Cashel in their next game buoyed by that big win over Dolphin.

Old Crescent were also victorious in their game in 2A, coming out the better of a 34-15 scorelinegainst Nenagh Ormond. Crescent led 14-10 at the end of a close first half, but bossed the second half to come away with a bonus point win that lifts them into fourth place in the table. Crescent welcome Buccaneers to Rosbrien on Saturday.