Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews

Rainey Old Boys are the deserving winners in this division and will be playing in Division 2A next season. They will be joined by NUIM Barnhall. Naas and Nenagh Ormond are vying for the playoff spot.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, April 13

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Ards (14^th) v Sunday’s Well (13^th), Hamilton Park

Both of these sides need to win to avoid the prospect of a playoff to avoid relegation.

Only a point separates them. The Well have shown themselves adept at picking up losing bonus points but that will not be on the agenda on Saturday.

The odds favour an away win with the Well coming off the back of a narrow loss to Boyne while Ards shipped 50 against Nenagh Ormond.

Armagh (7^th) v Connemara (16^th), Palace Grounds

Contrasting fortunes for these two clubs rooted in the local community.

Armagh are mid table but with a healthy balance of eight wins and a plus 90 points difference.

Connemara are relegated and face a big rebuilding project next season.

Boyne (6^th) v Skerries (7^th), Shamrock Lodge

A local derby of sorts and bragging rights in Leinster at stake. Both sides can look forward to next season and challenging for honours.

Skerries beat Sligo last week while Boyne had a tight win over Sunday’s Well.

A home win on the cards, but a narrow one.

Naas (3^rd) v Instonians (11^th), Forenaughts

It would take a bonus point win and a swing of a few hundred points for Naas to overtake NUIM Barnhall.

That said they still have a shot at promotion, via a playoff, if they win this home game on Saturday.

Inst. have little at stake in this game and a home win is on the cards.

Navan (8^th) v Suttonians (10^th), Balreask Old

A mid table tussle for these two Leinster clubs albeit the home side are a good 13 points ahead in the table.

They both won last weekend – against Connemara and Instonians respectively.

Form and home advantage suggest a final flourish for Navan.

Nenagh Ormond (4^th) v NUIM Barnhall (2^nd), New Ormond Park

A huge game for the home side with the lure of a promotion playoff if Naas slip up at home.

It won’t be easy though as the visitors are the 2^nd best team in the division this season with eleven wins to their name.

Could be a cracking game but expect an away win and end of season regrets for the home team.

Rainey OB (1^st) v Clonakilty (15^th), Hatrick Park

Hatrick Park will be a scene of celebration this weekend as the home side receive the trophy for winning the division.

They should also sign off with a win over visitors Clonakilty which could well condemn the visitors to a relegation playoff.

Thomond (12^th) v Sligo (9^th), Liam Fitzgerald Park

Realistically Thomond are safe – it would require some extraordinary results to see them in a playoff spot.

Still a home win would be a nice way to ensure safety and round out the season.

Sligo are seven points clear of them in the table with little at stake except the desire for a win.