Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
There is a very different look to Division 2A this season with five new clubs in the mix. Rainey Old Boys, NUIM Barnhall and Naas were all promoted while Ballymena and Bruff dropped down from Division 1A. It should make for an interesting season.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, September 28th
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Queen’s University v Highfield, Dub Lane, 2pm.
Both sides finished in the lower half of the table last season and with negative points difference so a good start this weekend will be important.
Last season’s game in Woodleigh park was a high scoring affair with the some side winning 40 -33
A repeat may not be on the cards first game out but Highfield may have the edge in terms of preparation time over their University opposition.
Ballymena v Galwegians, Eaton Park
A big game for both sides to kick off their league campaign.
The home side will have promotion firmly in their sights from the off while the visitors will look to improve on some missed chances last season.
This early in the season it is hard to read too much into provincial form but this could be an intriguing tie.
Bruff v NUIM Barnhall, Kilballyowen Park
Another interesting game with the relegated Bruff hosting the promoted NUIM Barnhall.
The home side only won three games in the league last season and really struggled for form throughout.
The visitors won eleven of their games last season and picked up an impressive nine try bonuses. But this is a step up and they will have to work hard to achieve that standard.
Cashel v Banbridge, Spafield
Cashel finished mid table last season with nine wins. A lack of bonus points hampered their ambitions so that will be something to work on.
The Bann finished third with ten wins and ten bonus points and must be a team to watch this season.
The Tipp side are tough to beat but their visitors were good on the road last season.
City of Derry v Rainey Old Boys, Judges Road
A candidate for match of the round as these two Ulster clubs go head to head.
City of Derry finished 4th last season with a late season surge where they racked up the points.
Rainey Old Boys topped Division 2B last season winning 14 out of their 15 games and notching up nine try bonuses to boot.
This could be a cracking game to kick off the league in Division 2A.
Old Wesley v Old Crescent, Donnybrook
A mid table finish for the Donnybrook outfit last season so there is plenty to improve on this year.
The Limerick club struggled to get out of the bottom half and finished the season in 12th place.
Wesley won the corresponding fixture last season and must be favourites to kick off with a win.
Seapoint v Bective Rangers, Kilbogget Park
A Dublin derby to kick off the season for the clubs who finished 10th and 9th at the end of last season.
It was a close affair when the sides met in November with Bective taking the game 16-12.
Expect another tight game in Kilbogget Park this Saturday.
UCC v Naas, The Mardyke
UCC finished 5th in Division 2A last season and should have ambitions for more this time around.
On Saturday they welcome Naas to The Mardyke for the first game of the season.
Naas lost out on automatic promotion from Division 2B on points difference but went on to beat Greystones in a playoff to gain the coveted slot.