Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

Division 2A kicks off with a Friday Night Lights game at Dr. Hickey Park where Greystones host current leaders DLSP. The action continues on Saturday afternoon with games from Shaw’s Bridge to Shannonvale Cross.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, October 29

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Greystones (12th) v De La Salle Palmerston (1st), Dr. Hickey Park, Friday, October 28, 8pm

Greystones face a tough challenge in this Leinster derby at Dr. Hickey Park on Friday night. The County Wicklow side have won one from three so far.

DLSP lead the standings currently with three wins from three, albeit that two of their opponents so far are at the bottom of the table. Still they are deservedly in first place, have picked up two try-scoring bonus points and winning can definitely become a habit!

Greystones had a good crowd for their ‘Friday Night Lights’ game last season and can expect a big turnout for this floodlit clash. Irish Rugby TV will be on hand to capture the highlights.

Bective Rangers (10th) v Queen’s University (2nd), Donnybrook

Early days yet but Bective need to click quickly if they are to challenge for honours this season. They have lost to Seapoint and Malone so far, either side of a home win over Dublin University.

Queen’s University are three from three with wins over Instpnians, Clonakilty and Greystones so they have yet to face a form team. Still, they have taken their points and picked up a try-scoring bonus point along the way and that has to be admired.

Rangers should pose a tough challenge and if their forwards get on the front foot then home advantage should tell in what looks like being a tight game.

Clonakilty (16th) v Thomond (8th), Shannonvale Cross

Home side Clonakilty are without any points from their opening three games and have leaked 92 points to date. It looks like being a tough season for the West Cork club.

Thomond, who are on the road this weekend, are mid table with one of each – W D L – so it is hard to tell what way their season is panning out.

This was a 50-point game last season with the Limerick side winning 32-21. On balance they look better placed to take the win again this year.

Corinthians (3rd) v Dublin University (7th), Corinthian Park

Galway side Corinthians also have three wins from three and look set for a strong season. Their resolve will be tested on Saturday though when the Trinity students come calling.

The Dublin side make their first trip outside of the capital in this campaign as they have faced Greystones, Bective and Terenure to date.

Corinthians won 10-8 at College Park last season and will be aiming for another four-point return this time around.

Instonians (14th) v Old Wesley (5th), Shaw’s Bridge

Instonians are struggling so far this season with three losses but they have salvaged two losing bonus points either side of a drubbing from De La Salle Palmerston.

Old Wesley have managed two draws against Limerick outfits – Old Crescent and Thomond  – and a big home win over Midleton. Are they starting to fire on all cylinders?

Saturday is a big one for both clubs therefore. The home side need to win while the visitors will want to build on their impressive performances to date.

Midleton (15th) v City of Derry (11th), Towns Park

Midleton are known as a tough team to beat and of the bottom three they have conceded the least points. But the Corkmen are, nonetheless, without a win in three games.

City of Derry are probably a better side than their current placing indicates. Notably their two losses have come against teams in the top four.

Home advantage has not helped Midleton to date and the Derry men could add to their woes on Saturday.

Old Crescent (4th) v Seapoint (13th), Rosbrien

Old Crescent have started brightly. Their opening day draw has been followed by wins over Midleton and City of Derry, leaving them with 10 points from their first three games.

Seapoint are coming to terms with the nitty gritty of Division 2A after the highs of last season. A first-up win has been followed by losses to Terenure and Corinthians.

This weekend is a test for both clubs. Can the Limerick side continue their winning form? Can the former junior club adapt to life in a higher division?

Terenure College (9th) v Malone (6th), Lakelands Park

One victory from three games leaves Terenure College mid-table in this early part of the season. There is still a lot of rugby to be played and the Dublin side will have ambitions of improving.

Malone are four points ahead thanks to wins over Clonakilty and Bective Rangers. They will travel to Lakelands with confidence.

‘Nure are due to click into gear but form favours the visitors.