AIB League Div 1A Round 7 Previews

[happyaslarry182]

Blackrock (3rd) vs Dolphin (5th)

After having produced lightening quick starts to the league campaign both these teams have found the going much tougher in recent weeks. Blackrock have lost their last three league encounters, while Dolphin have lost their last two AIL outings albeit with an AIB Cup win wedged in between. Both sides will be eagerly anticipating the announcements of both Munster’s and Leinster squads this week having been hit quite hard by provincial call-ups last weekend. Blackrock will be hoping that the returning Morris, Ryan and Hogan can provide some of the inspiration needed to halt their descent down the league table.

Meanwhile the Ballyphehane boys will be hoping that Tony McGahan will release the inspirational James Coughlan. One thing is for sure, they will need every ounce of experience available if they are to leave Stradbrook victorious. A win is imperative for both sides to maintain their title challenge meaning sparks are sure to fly in this one.

Verdict: Blackrock to get back to winning ways



UL Bohs (7th) vs Garryowen (8th)

In any other league a bottom of the table clash might not sound very appealing but as we have seen in this league every fixture has the potential to showcase some of best talent in the country. Bohs will be brimming with confidence following two wins on the trot that have lifted them from the foot of the table. They will once again look to the likes of O’Donnell and Essex in the back row to help inspire another defensive performance like the one that kept Dolphin scoreless last weekend. Out wide they possess enough pace and experience in McPhail and Riordan, to name but two, to worry any opposition.

It has been a long time since Garryowen has found itself propping up any league table. With a very similar squad to last season one must think that all it will take is one bit of magic or a lucky bounce of a ball to re-ignite this proud clubs season. A drubbing by Clontarf at home last weekend is sure to liven things up at training this week. But of course it is on the playing pitch that it matters and it will be up to experienced players such as Paul Neville and Gerry Hurley to re-instil some self-belief in this team. On paper it may look easy to call but no match, especially a Limerick derby, is ever played on paper!

Verdict: The light blues to finally get up and running

For previews of Clontarf (6th) vs Shannon (4th) & Cork Con (2nd) vs St. Marys (1st) see http://top8.ie/aib-div-1a-round-7-preview/