Blackrock poised to continue cup march

ON a weekend when two AIB Cup ties have been called off, the losing finalists of two seasons ago, Blackrock, have a golden opportunity to push forward towards another AIB cup decider when they take on Garryowen in today’s quarter-final at Stradbrook (2.30).

Garryowen have yet to kick- start their season, while Blackrock have enjoyed a positive league campaign and will go into today’s game as favourites.

Blackrock have only had to account for Division Two opponents to date and they will be worried that early season form has dipped somewhat. However, they will be boosted by an earlier game against the light blues when they rattled up 48 points en-route to a comprehensive victory.

Ballymena are in action against Old Belvedere at Eaton Park and it is an opportunity for the Ulster team to gain a measure of revenge for a recent seven points league defeat in Dublin.

The Dublin side have maintained their position at the top of Division 1B, with Ballymena seven points and seven places adrift.

Ballymena knocked out Bective Rangers in the second round and enjoyed a good win over Young Munster last time out, though they have lost their last two league games.

Old Belvedere come into this game having accounted for Greystones and notably Clontarf last time out.

Cork Constitution against Queens University at Temple Hill and Dolphin versus Galwegians at Musgrave Park have been postponed because of the weather.