Captain Cogan key to Con cracking the ’Rock

CompiledAIB LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE

Cork Constitution v Blackrock

Blackrock will be pleased with their most recent victory over Buccaneers. Former Shannon star Tom Cregan was the main man for the Galway side and kept them in the game. Con were not quite the full article last time out when they fell to Clontarf but the Cork side are at home today and are much better positioned than the visitors to challenge for the title. They will look to captain Frank

Cogan for inspiration.

Ballymena v Garryowen

On the face of it, there should be no possibility of a Ballymena victory here, but they're a tricky proposition at Eaton Park. Garryowen had to earn their 24-23 win over Dungannon last month through hard grind and they'll be conscious of Ballymena's decent home record over the years.

Buccaneers v Shannon

The last time these sides met in Athlone, Buccs came out on top, but the last meeting in Ballinasloe ended in a landslide victory for Shannon. Now Buccs have a former Shannon coach and some handy former Shannon players. This will be a very interesting 80 minutes of rugby.

Dublin University v Belfast Harlequins

Harlequins have lost some of their tried and tested veterans but still find themselves in the top four. Dublin University have just one point (bonus) from their games to date and appear to have little chance of getting any more today.

Dungannon v Co. Carlow

Dungannon must be expected to continue their climb up the table from ninth or at least to maintain steady progress. Visitors Carlow are only just ahead of Trinity, and won't have much confidence after five defeats.

Galwegians v St. Mary's College

It has been a tough campaign so far for Galwegians but St. Mary's haven't performed that much better. It will be a tricky away game for the Dublin outfit, but one they should just about win.

Lansdowne v Clontarf

The Dublin derby could be a humdinger, and Lansdowne will be boosted by their most recent away victory over St Mary's. There's very little between the sides, but a slim home victory is the likely outcome.

UL Bohemians v UCD

Again, this is a tight call. UCD have a four-point advantage but Bohs are formidable opposition for anyone, particularly at home.

DIVISION TWO

Terenure (1st) v UCC (3rd)

The leaders have a two-point advantage over their Cork rivals, and a better scoring average as well.

Ballynahinch (14th) v Young Munster (2nd)

Tony Grant's team are doing well this season and are right up there pressing the leaders on equal points. The Limerick side could have been ahead but they've failed to pick up bonus points where Terenure have succeeded.

Malone (16th) v Dolphin (6th)

This should be no contest, even if Dolphin have to make a long journey. The Cork side have games in hand over four of the five teams ahead of them. Malone look like they will struggle for the rest of the season.

Highfield (13th) v Waterpark (15th)

The outcome of this game could well be crucial at the end of the season. Highfield have a game in hand and are four points ahead, so victory would considerably ease any relegation worries.

DIVISION THREE

Suttonians (7th) v Clonakilty (1st)

The west Cork side have three points to spare over Instonians with six wins from six and an additional bonus point. It's hard to see Suttonians causing an upset.

City of Derry (8th) v Instonians (2nd)

The home side could cause a shock - something that would go down very well in west Cork.