Shannon chasing points at happy hunting ground

SHANNON will go for broke this weekend in search of another conclusive AIB League victory at Stevenson Park.

But despite Dungannon’s opening day loss to Cork Constitution, Shannon expect a much tougher encounter than they experienced in their first fixture, a game that brought a comprehensive victory over Lansdowne last weekend.

Still, Stevenson Park is a happy hunting ground for Shannon who have won all four games played there and their record against Dungannon is probably their best against any other first division side.

They have played the Co.Tyrone side on nine occasions and the only match point conceded was a drawn game in Thomond Park in 2001, when Dungannon went on to win the title.

Shannon show some changes from last week. With Munster in Celtic league action last evening in Limerick, it means that once again Geoff Moylan will have to without the services of a number of players.

Five Shannon players are due to start with Munster and with Colm McMahon elevated from the bench, Shannon will be minus one of their stars of last weekend’s game.

Another selection worry comes with news that Shannon’s Captain, Tom Hayes, was called up to replace McMahon on the Munster bench along with James Blaney.

Moylan is hopeful that these two players will be available for this afternoon’s action and, assuming nobody was injured last night, arrangements were made to transport these key players to Ulster in time to play a role with the club.

On a guaranteed positive note for Shannon, back row player Garrett Noonan resumed training this week after a viral infection forced his late withdrawal from the Lansdowne game.

Brian Buckley is certain to start in the second row and last weekend’s man of the Match, John O’Connor, looks another certainty.

Under normal circumstances, Shannon would justifiably be installed as favourites given their impressive record over Dungannon. However, with so many unavailable to Shannon, it would appear that the odds have been greatly reduced.

Shannon will be looking to consolidate their early lead in the AIL, but with home advantage, Dungannon will be keen to impress and get their first win in the new campaign

Cork Constitution coach Brian Walsh was well pleased with the performance at Temple Hill last weekend but expects a tougher examination in Belfast against Harlequins today.

“It really is too early to assess exactly where we are going but I was happy with the win over Dungannon for starters. We have got to win our home games at least and then hope that we pick up some points away as well. If we manage to beat Harlequins, and it will be difficult, it will be a great start for us.”

Dolphin have the first division stage to themselves in Cork this weekend and Hamish Adams will be seeking an immediate return after their way loss to County Carlow.

Dolphin will have their work cut out against St. Mary’s College, who drew last weekend against Garryowen, but victory is not beyond them.

Garryowen, after picking up an away point, find themselves with another difficult task on hands when they take on Clontarf, last year’s runners-up.

They may have home advantage but the Dublin northsiders don’t appear to have suffered greatly following an exodus of some experienced players after last season’s exciting run.

CORK CONSTITUTION: D. O’Brien, D. Dillon, C. Mahony, J. V. Igarza, C. Healy, S. McColl, P. McCarthy, G. Murray, D. Murray, J. O’Driscoll, K. Coughlan, A. N. Other, J. Sheahan, F. Cogan, J. Murray.