Club Scene: AIL focus
GAME OF THE DAY Shannon v Clontarf (Thomond Park, 2.30)
SHANNON have certainly wasted little time in making their presence felt on their return to the top flight.
After losing their opening game of the season, Tom Hayes’s men have now won their last two and they welcome Clontarf to Thomond Park this afternoon.
Three points separate the two sides, as second takes on third in a mouthwatering clash that will really show where Shannon stand in the grand scheme of things.
Teenage out-half Jake Flannery was outstanding for Shannon in their thumping win over Terenure last weekend as he helped himself to 14 points.
The country’s most successful club will be mindful however that ‘Tarf have yet to hit their straps.
Clontarf head coach Andy Wood has try-scoring machine Mick McGrath back and the flying winger did what he does best in last week’s win against Garryowen when he crossed the whitewash to open his account for the season.
New signings Michael Courtney and Angus Lloyd have impressed for ‘Tarf, while Shannon have plenty of fire-power of their own, including Nathan Randles.
A home win today would be a serious signal of Shannon’s intent but Clontarf are sure to have something to say about that.
TERENURE DESPERATELY NEED MORALE BOOSTING WIN
TO say the start of the season has not gone well for Terenure College would be a massive understatement.
Three defeats from three and not a single point to their name has left them scrambling, even at this early stage.
Beaten semi-finalists last year – going down to Cork Con at Lakelands – they travel to fellow strugglers UCC, who are also winless.
Former Ireland U-20s back Matthew Byrne (above) scored a brace last weekend and he could provide the spark that ’Nure so desperately need.
The Dubliners will need their pack to front up against the students if they are to have any hope of getting their season back on track.
FITZGERALD MAKES THE JUMP UP TO PRO GAME FROM AIL
CONOR Fitzgerald was outstanding for Shannon in their 1B title-winning season last year and while he had to deal with the disappointment of being let go from the Munster Academy, Connacht wasted little time in snapping up the young out-half.
Fitzgerald, who is the younger brother of Munster back Stephen, has linked up with Mossy Lawler again out West.
The pair worked together in school with Ardscoil Ris.
Fitzgerald made his professional debut against Bordeaux a fortnight ago before being handed a start by Andy Friend against Sale last weekend.
His progress will be worth following and he is yet another player who has used the AIL as a springboard for bigger and better things.
NUMBER OF THE DAY 25
POINTS scored by Ballymena out-half Tim Small in their 40-22 win over St. Mary’s College at Eaton Park last weekend in Division 1B.