Limerick clubs will be anxious to get points on the board ahead of a two-week break.
FIVE rounds into the All-Ireland League (AIL), Limerick’s clubs have found things difficult so far this season.
Limerick’s sole Division 1A club, Young Munster, have had a mixed start to the season. Having secured an impressive win away at Terenure in Round Two, the Cookies have also lost three games and sit eighth in the table. They face a daunting task this weekend, as they travel to champions St Mary’s.
Now in their second season in Division 1B, Garryowen have started the season poorly. They were heavily beaten by Blackrock College RFC in Dooradoyle last weekend, which keeps them in ninth place. The Sky Blues travel north to play City of Armagh on Saturday.
In 2A, Shannon and UL Bohemians were both well beaten at the weekend and are struggling so far this season, sitting eighth and ninth respectively. Bohemians have a chance to get back on track on Saturday, facing bottom-side Galwegians, while Shannon play the leaders Cashel on Thomond Park’s back pitch.
With Division 2B now split into two regions, there is a strong Limerick influence in 2B South. Old Crescent RFC lead the Premier County teams, sitting third early in the season despite losing to leaders Clonmel last week. They will play Thomond RFC on Saturday in a Limerick derby. Thomond, who are coached by Munster and Limerick legend Keith Earls, have had a tricky start and are eighth in the table. Bruff RFC won at Enniscorthy last Saturday and are fifth. They will be tested this weekend as they host the unbeaten Clonmel.
In 1A of the Women’s Division, UL Bohemians are second in the condensed six-team league. Bohemians have won the last three Women’s titles and will be looking to make it four in a row. They travel to play Galwegians on Saturday.
After this weekend’s fixtures, there will be a two-week break in league action. After a mixed start, the Limerick clubs will be desperate to get points on the board.