Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

Five clubs got off to the perfect start with a try bonus win last weekend in Division 2A. Two of them – NUIM Barnhall and City of Derry – clash this weekend while Old Crescent host Bruff in a Friday Night Lights clash at Rosbrien.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, October 5

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Old Crescent (16^th) v Bruff (13^th), Rosbrien, Friday Night Lights, 7:30pm

The floodlights will be on for this Munster club derby in Rosbrien on Friday night and with both sides beaten in round 1 it takes on more of an edge.

Bruff dropped down from Division 1B and were well beaten last weekend by the promoted NUIM Barnhall.

Old Crescent shipped over 50 points away to Old Wesley so they will want to make the most of the home advantage.

Banbridge (12^th) v Queens University (5^th), Rifle Park

Another provincial derby, this time an Ulster one, with the students traveling to Banbridge on the back of a bonus point win over Highfield.

The home side looked to have the winning of their first game but let slip a ten point lead in losing to Cashel on the road last Saturday.

Both sides should be in the mix for the season so this is an intriguing game on Saturday.

Bective Rangers (9^th) v UCC (11^th), Donnybrook

These two clubs lost their opening game last weekend albeit in tight games where they managed a losing bonus point.

Bective lost by three to Seapoint while UCC lost at home to Naas.

Saturday offers the chance to get the first win of the season and further benchmarking of where they stand in the league.

Galwegians (15^th) v Old Wesley (1^st), Crowley Park

‘Wegians took a beating in their first game, from a Ballymena side intent on going back up to Division 1B this season.

On Saturday they play host to table toppers Old Wesely who notched up 54 points at home to Old Crescent.

It was a 60 points plus scorefest when the side met last season with the Dublin club taking it 34 – 33. Look out for more on Saturday.

Highfield (10^th) v Ballymena (2^nd), Woodleigh Park

Highfield lost by five points to Queen’s in their opening game so they will be aiming for their first win on home turf this weekend.

They face a tough task though as Ballymena will be in top form after their try bonus win over Galwegians.

You’d have to favour the visitors to take the point this weekend as they aim to set  out their stall early in the season.

Naas (7^th) v Cashel (6^th), Forenaughts

The newly promoted Co. Kildare side kicked off their Division 2A campaign with a good win on the road over UCC last weekend.

Saturday sees them play host to a Cashel side who came from ten points behind to post a good win over Banbridge.

An interesting match-up on the cards then and what promises to be a good game.

NUIM Barnhall (4^th) v City of Derry (3^rd), Parsonstown

Match of the day in Division 2A? It certainly has all the hallmarks.

Both sides recorded a try bonus on the opening day of the league against sides with something to prove.

The home team will have a good measure of where they stand given their visitors beat Rainey (who were promoted alongside NUIM Barnhall) last weekend.

Rainey OB (14^th) v Seapoint (8^th), Hatrick Park

A tough opening day in Division 2A for Rainey last weekend as they were well beaten by City of Derry.

Seapoint edged out Bective by 27 – 24 in their opening game at Kilbogget Park.

Two former Junior clubs who both used the Ulster Bank Junior Cup as a platform for promotion – it should be a game well worth catching.