Testing times for contenders

HAS their bubble burst? The question might just as easily be applied to both Shannon and Ballymena (widely perceived as probable favourites for the final) on the eve of today's ninth round of matches in the AIB League. Come 4.00 p.m. that ought to be answered to some degree as well.

Shannon travel to Clontarf today knowing that in all probability that every one of their remaining four games represent a last chance saloon if they are to make the play-offs. Ballymena host Garryowen in one of two proverbial four-pointers between play-off contenders, the other being Cork Constitution at home to St Mary's, while another that could fall into that category at a push is the visit of injury-hit leaders Lansdowne to Young Munster.

But if Lansdowne think they have problems, they are as nothing compared to St Mary's. Just when conditions should be turning in their favour, last year's beaten semi-finalists have discovered that it never rains but it pours. Not alone have they been deprived of their entire back-row and their two most potent runners, but also their leading scorer. Fergal Campion turned an ankle in training on Thursday evening and is ruled out for three weeks.

With Trevor Brennan suspended, Victor Costello nursing his damaged ribs and Mark Cuddihy unavailable due to a family bereavement, the back-row will consist of Peter Sullivan at number six, Karl Jennings at number eight and debutant Ger Quinn at openside.

As Richie Ormond is only just back from injury himself, he will start on the bench with centre Eugene Gibney playing at out-half.

As if that wasn't bad enough, John McWeeney is also out, while Kevin Nowlan undergoes a fitness test on his knee injury this morning. Of some solace to St Mary's is that the league's leading try scorer from last season, Dennis Hickie, gingerly makes his seasonal bow after a couple of seconds' outings.

"It will be a test of our squad and our character," sighed the St Mary's coach Steve Hennessy yesterday. That it will.