Coach says Con face toughest test in Dolphin derby clash
Recent trends suggest Constitution should win easily but that is not taking into consideration present circumstances; they will be without several front-line players and Dolphin’s recent injury problem has eased considerably.
All of which leaves the respective coaches – Dolphin’s Steve Ford is in more confident mood this week – with differing views.
But while Walsh might have to plan without several front-liners he’s not in the least bit inclined to panic. “We have to look at it positively; we will probably have up to six under-20 players in the team but it’s an opportunity for all of them. Sometimes, you could get lazy and not select the younger guys but we’re in a position where we have to and I have no doubt that a lot of them are up for it.”
Ford will give a first AIL start to 20-year-old Paddy Ryan, whose older brother, Munster’s Dave will line out in the same front row. Another brother Timmy, formerly of Munster and Toulon, is now with Guinness Premiership club Newcastle. “Paddy is a big, imposing guy, and we’re glad to have got over most of our injury problems,” said Ford.
Constitution will use this game to promote a family day and the ladies committees from both clubs have been working hard on a fundraising event for Marymount Hospice.
For that reason, it was decided not to shift the game from Saturday to Sunday in light of Ireland’s international clash with Samoa at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon.
“Circumstances dictate that we must get on with running the club,” said a spokesman, “accordingly there will be an underage blitz running right up to kick-off, further family entertainment and the provision of a match-day barbecue in a bid to make it a family day out similar to the recent clash with Young Munster that was attended by over 1500 people.”
Struggling league specialists Shannon will try to get back on track when they play Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road, while the top game in division 1B is between leaders Buccaneers and fifth placed UL Bohemians at Annacotty today.
Next up is the clash between second placed Clontarf and UCC at Castle Avenue tomorrow.
In division two, table toppers Ballynahinch are unbeaten in their quest to bounce back to Division 1B. They host Thomond at Ballymacarn Park today while UCD take on fifth placed Midleton at Towns Park as the Dublin side keep the pressure on their Ulster rivals.
Two Ulster clubs – Instonians and City of Derry – are out in front at the top of the third division table, but Seapoint and Sunday’s Well are poised to take advantage of any slip ups this weekend.
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