Ulster Bank League: Division 1B Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, February 11

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated -


SHANNON (8th) v UL BOHEMIANS (2nd), Thomond Park, Friday, February 10, 7.30pm


Preview: What better way to test Shannon's 2017 resurgence than a full-blooded Limerick derby? Tom Hayes' young side made it back-to-back wins last week with a late bonus point maul try at Old Wesley.

Their next challenge is lowering the colours of promotion hopefuls UL who have been trucking along of late without really setting the world alight.

After losing at home to Naas, second-placed Bohs have ground to make up on leaders Buccaneers, however they will have to outmuscle a resilient Shannon pack that seems to be growing in stature under Hayes' helm.

Recent League Meetings - Friday, February 19, 2016: Shannon 22 UL Bohemians 25, Thomond Park; Saturday, November 12, 2016: UL Bohemians 14 Shannon 13, University of Limerick 4G pitch

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: UL Bohemians to win

BALLYMENA (6th) v GALWEGIANS (9th), Eaton Park, 12.30pm



Preview: The entertainment value should be high again as Ballymena and Galwegians lock horns three months on from the Braidmen's thrilling 35-34 victory out west.

However, they have collected just three points in their last three outings, noticeably giving away early leads. Former Ireland Under-20 hooker Adam McBurney is a welcome addition this week, especially with a number of Ulster absentees.

'Wegians' failure to put away their scoring chances hurt them in a 25-14 beating by Buccaneers. Picking up points of any kind is a must in these back-to-back trips north to Ballymena and Ballynahinch.

Recent League Meetings - Saturday, February 21, 2015: Ballymena 17 Galwegians 25, Eaton Park; Saturday, November 12, 2016: Galwegians 34 Ballymena 35, Crowley Park

IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Ballymena to win

UCC (7th) v BALLYNAHINCH (3rd), the Mardyke, 12.30pm

Preview: Having pocketed four valuable points away to Dolphin, it is time for UCC to turn the Mardyke into something of a fortress as they face into successive home matches against Ballynahinch and Naas.

Flanker Conor Barry's fifth try of the campaign was crucial in last week's Cork derby, but they are meeting a 'Hinch side who have crept up into third place thanks to three wins on the trot.

Peter Nelson's call-up for Ulster will see Justin Rea slot in at full-back for Derek Suffern's men. The head coach will look for a big performance in the back row from Callum Irvine who steps in for the injured Lorcan Dow.

Recent League Meetings - Saturday, February 11, 2012: UCC 13 Ballynahinch 12, the Mardyke; Saturday, November 12, 2016: Ballynahinch 10 UCC 15, Ballymacarn Park