Top-flight status up for grabs

BUCCANEERS are desperate for victory against Young Munster at Tom Clifford Park tomorrow if they want to have any hope of staving off relegation from Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League.

It has been a disappointing campaign for the Athlone men who have only registered victories over UCD and St Mary’s College.

Buccaneers have picked up five losing bonus points, but with 13 defeats they cannot afford to lose again if they want to retain their top-tier status.

They were hammered 33-7 at home to high-flying Clontarf last time, and that put them in real trouble at the foot of the standings.

In Division 2A, Corinthians are also in need a confidence-boosting victory to help them move off the bottom of the table. They host City of Armagh at Corinthian Park tomorrow in a vital game for both sides, but for different reasons.

City of Armagh can sustain their unlikely promotion push for another round if they win, while Corinthians must win ahead of the crunch closing rounds.

Galwegians have picked up some good form at the right end of the campaign and if they win at Stradbrook against Blackrock College, they will nearly be clear of relegation.

Galwegians have won five times this season including big victories against Greystones, Nenagh Ormond and Queen’s University last month.

Sligo are on a completely different footing in Division 2C where they will seek victory against Bruff at Hamilton Park to stay in touch at the top.

With eight wins already this term Sligo can still move ahead of Thomond and Malahide at the top, but they did suffer a tough 22-14 loss against Omagh in Round 15.