Must-win battle for Munsters

Mike Prendergast’s Young Munster have been training on all-weather surfaces in the build-up to this afternoon’s must-win Ulster Bank League clash with leaders Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium.

Prendergast admits it will be an even bigger challenge than usual for fourth-placed Munsters as they bid to stay in touch with the raging title favourites because Lansdowne will be far better accustomed to the quicker pace of the game on their all-weather pitch.

“We had a disappointment last week losing to Clontarfbut we’ve trained well and we look forward to the challenge. They’re a very good side,” he said.

“We’ve been training on all-weather surfaces trying to get used to the bounce of the ball as such.

“We realise the pace of the game will be quicker and we know we have to be on top of our game.

“We’ve got to get ourselves mentally right more than anything because there’s a big run of games over the next few weeks and results there will tell all.”

With 12 points between them and the leaders, second-placed Garryowen have to beat improving St Mary’s, the reigning champions, at Templeville Road today, while another game of crucial importance takes place at Musgrave Park between Dolphin (seventh) and UL Bohemian (ninth).

Dolphin are unfortunate to be hovering near the relegation zone because they lost a couple of big games by the narrowest of margins, the defeat to Lansdowne being a case in point. They have a game in hand but with just four points to spare over today’s visitors they cannot afford a slip.

With leaders Ballynahinch expected to take full points against Bruff at Kilballyowen Park, second placed UCD might have to satisfy themselves with launching a challenge for Division 1B honours on another day. The form team, who beat the leaders last week, are still eight points adrift with six games to play.

Division 2A contenders UCC are home to Banbridge today and victory is a must. Match of the day in division 2B will be the clash between Naas (third) and Nenagh Ormond (fourth) at Forenaughts.

The excitement centres around the ability of either to secure second place and automatic promotion.