Make or break weekend of Ulster Bank League action for Limerick sides

The competition for playoff places and division titles reaches fever pitch this Saturday as 7 Limerick sides take to the pitch in the Ulster Bank League, all local sides still have plenty to play for.

Young Munster and Garryowen are still chasing down semi-final spots with the light blues in the more favourable position to do so.

Conan Doyle’s charges are in 5th place at the moment but have a golden opportunity to move into the top 4 when they travel to Castle Avenue to take on last season’s runners up, Clontarf.

The Dublin side currently occupy the final semi-final place and are just 1 point ahead of Garryowen in the table.

Young Munster are 4 points back from Clontarf so will realistically need a bonus point win on Saturday to be in with any chance of landing a semi-final place.

They welcome basement side Buccaneers to Tom Clifford Park and will take confidence in the fact that they have already managed a bonus point win over the Athlone side earlier in the season.

Gearoid Prendergast’s side will be seething following Monday’s 1A loss to Trinity. The cookies had the lead and possession of the ball in the dying stages but took a gamble in order to attempt to claim a try bonus point.

In the end Trinity managed to come up with the ball in the final minute of the game and went over for the match winning try.

https://twitter.com/youngmunstersfa/status/977099414895505408

In division 1B Shannon are still in with a big chance of landing the title and promotion to 1A.

Tom Hayes’ side are in third place in the table – 5 points behind leaders Ballynahinch but have a game in hand over the northerners. That game also happens to be against bottom spot Dolphin, so will be a good chance for Shannon to claim a bonus point win.

On Saturday the parish side face into a home encounter with Old Wesley and will be hoping to record their first win in 2018 following a disappointing start to the new year. The game kicks off at the earlier time of 1.30pm.

https://twitter.com/Shannon\_RFC/status/976880500177604608

At the other end of the table UL Bohemian are still in danger of falling into the relegation playoff place. Saturday’s game is massive for Christy Neilan’s men as they face Ballymena at Eaton Park.

The Northern Irish side currently occupy that relegation playoff spot and lie just two points behind UL Bohs. A win for the red robins would take them a long way towards safety, while a loss would see them facing into a tough last few weeks.

Elsewhere in 2B Old Crescent will be crowned champions with a home win over 6th spot Dungannon.

Brendan Guilfoyle’s side have been nothing short of immense so far this season, claiming 15 wins from 15 and securing 10 try bonus points.

The Rosbrien side also boast the best points differential across all divisions with 309. If they can secure the title on Saturday, it will represent their second in three years.

A massive weekend of rugby at Old Crescent RFC has become a massive DAY of rugby in Rosbrien next Saturday!

Our Munster Senior Seconds League fixture against Shannon R.F.C. has been brought forward… https://t.co/d9jQ0VGRzA

— Old Crescent RFC (@OldCrescentRFC1) March 22, 2018

It’s going to go down to the wire in division 2C with Thomond currently hoping to keep their place at the top of the pile.

James Hickey’s side are a point clear of second place Malahide with three games to go.

The soda cakes are in Kilbogget Park on Saturday afternoon to take on 7th place Seapoint as they look to take one step closer to the title.

It’s been a rough few years for Thomond, who are aspiring to get back on track following relegation in back to back seasons.

Club Rugby returns this weekend in Kilbogget Park as @seapointrfc play @RFCThomond in the @UlsterBankRugby league. Many thanks as always to our sponsors @SVKilliney @irishdailymail @BLKIreland @chattotom Pirtek pic.twitter.com/XseiaOQElM

— Seapoint Rugby Club (@seapointrc) March 22, 2018

While Bruff are still in with a chance of making the 2C playoff places for the second time in three years.

Eoin Cahill’s side are in Hamilton Park to take on Sligo knowing a win would put them right back in the top four conversation.

The County Limerick side are in 6th place at the moment 7 points adrift of Omagh in 4th.

@bruffrfc travel to @sligorfc tomorrow for vital game in division 2C of @UlsterBankRugby league . Vital game for both teams, it will be tense & a closely fought affair as usual between these clubs.

— Pat Dunne (@dunnser3) March 23, 2018