Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews

Division 2B kicks off on Saturday with five new clubs – the promoted Richmond and Ulster Bank Junior Cup champions Tullamore amongst them. It should make for a very interesting league this year.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, September 28

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Ards v Suttonians, Hamilton Park

Ards finished in 13^th last season and will be hoping to avoid the relegation battles that dogged them.

A good start always helps so they will be ready for Suttonians on Saturday.

The Dublin side finished just three points ahead of Ards but crucially they did win the tie this time last season by 29-12.

Armagh v De La Salle Palmerston, Palace Grounds

Armagh have taken time to settle since they joined the Ulster Bank League but last season’s 6^th place puts them in position to challenge for honours this time.

First game up they host a DLSP side who struggled in Division 2A but with plenty of determination to bounce back.

Home advantage always counts and ‘Salmo will have their work cut out on Saturday.

Boyne v Richmond, Shamrock Lodge

Boyne finished last season in 5^th place with ten wins and no less than Armagh they should be harbouring thoughts of the top two this year.

First up they face the newly promoted Richmond who beat Clonakilty in a promotion/relegation playoff last April.

Boyne made that jump not so long ago and they are well equipped to take home advantage on Saturday.

Greystones v Tullamore, Dr. Hickey Park

Old meets new in this game on Saturday as ‘Stones look to kick off their promotion campaign.

Tullamore topped the qualifying play offs in April to add to their Ulster Bank Junior Cup title.

The Offaly club could cause some upsets this season but will they start with a win on Saturday?

Navan v Sligo, Balreask Old

A repeat of the same tie last season when Navan travelled to Strandhill and won the opening game of the season.

The Co. Meath side were 8^th overall last year while Sligo were 9^th albeit there were 15 points between them.

Expect a home win in Balreask Old on Saturday.

Nenagh Ormond v Midleton, New Ormond Park

The Tipp side have been there or thereabouts in recent seasons. Can they go one better and gain a top two slot?

Saturday sees them up against a Midleton side relegated from Division 2A.

It should be a tough opening game and will give both sides a fair of idea of where they stand.

Skerries v Instonians, Holmpatrick

7^th last season for Skerries and a final total of 43 points with four try bonuses. Not a bad haul and certainly reasons to be optimistic and ambitious.

Inst. won only two games less but a lack of bonus points saw them a fair few points behind.

It was tight enough in Shaws Bridge last season with Inst winning 22-20.

Thomond v Sunday’s Well, Liam Fitzgerald Park

The same game at the start of last season over 60 points with the Well winning by 33 – 28.

Supporters of both sides would enjoy a similar level of tries this weekend.

Both clubs finished in the bottom half of the table and will hope to avoid relegation battles this time round.