Cork Con aiming to cement status as the team to catch in Division 1A

GAME OF THE WEEKEND Cork Con v Clontarf, Temple Hill, 2.30

Cork Con’s lead at the top of the table is eight points as they have opened up a considerable gap between themselves and the chasing pack.

Today, they host a Clontarf side, who also have their sights set on the title as they look to secure a home semi-final.

Having been beaten against Trinity last time out, Andy Wood will be demanding an instant response from his players, but travelling to Leeside is no easy task.

Fresh from helping the Ireland Club team win the Dalriada Cup against Scotland, Matt D’Arcy will be looking to build on the five tries that he has scored.

Con, however, will welcome back a host of players who starred in that series win over Scotland including the likes of Aidan Moynihan, Niall Kenneally, Brian Hayes and Conor Kindregan. It was Moynihan’s late penalty that snatched victory for Con when the sides met earlier this season and ’Tarf will be gunning for revenge having lost a 10-point lead in December.

TERENURE SEEK ONE LAST PUSH

It may prove to have been too little too late but Terenure’s thumping win over UCD in the last round has at least given them a glimmer of hope that they can avoid the drop.

They remain cut adrift at the foot of the table but another victory away to Garryowen would really lift their spirits.

With James Blaney set to step down at the end of the season, ’Nure will be looking for one last push for their head coach who did a fine job in getting them back to the top flight.

NUMBER OF THE WEEKEND

69 – Points scored by Shannon’s Jake Flannery, who has been excellent for the Ireland U-20s in the Six Nations.