Cork Con clash with major rivals Shannon in cup battle of the day
By Barry Coughlan
Saturday, November 07, 2009
HAVING secured revenge over Ballynahinch for defeat in last season’s AIB Cup final, Cork Constitution will have to rise to another huge challenge at Temple Hill this afternoon (2.30).
The reward for victory in Ballymacarn Park could best be described as being akin to a double edged sword — a home draw, but another battle against League champions and old rivals Shannon!
Given the state of both parties it is a hard game to call; Con have won two of their four league ties to date and Shannon just one from the same number. However, on previous history it does have the potential to live up to its match of the day billing.
Given what happened to Constitution last season, Dolphin won’t treat their visit to Deramore Park lightly against second division outfit Belfast Harlequins.
Harlequins are third in their section while Dolphin are third in Division 1A.
The Ulster side have had comprehensive wins over Naas and UL Bohs in the opening rounds of the cup and have beaten Old Crescent, Clonakilty and Greystones in the league. However, they lost their last game to Bective.
Dolphin may be without James Coughlan who was on duty for Munster A yesterday, but their half back partnership of Sam Cronin and Barry Keeshan have been in good form.
For the second time in a fortnight, Garryowen host divisional leaders St. Mary’s, who came out on top of a tightly contested league game (6-3) last time out.
The Dublin side are setting the pace, although Garryowen will see this as an ideal opportunity to gain revenge for the recent league reversal.
The cup pairing of Clontarf and Old Belvedere drew a few gasps when the draw was made and it is one given added currency by the fortunes of the sides in the AIB League.
Clontarf have long flown the flag for Dublin in the championship but have had a mixed start this season.
By contrast, Old Belvedere have been inspired by the presence of Andy Dunne and Fergus McFadden and are four points clear at the top of Division 1B.
In an all University clash, Queens University take on UCC in Belfast with the Cork side tipped to win, while UCD might have their work cut out to get the better of Galwegians.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, November 07, 2009
