Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews

Division 2B kicks off this weekend with a Friday Night Lights clash at Suttonians as they host leaders Skerries in week 2 of the Ulster Bank League. The action continues on Saturday with newly promoted Tullamore playing their first home game of the league.

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

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Suttonians (10^th) v Skerries (1^st), John J McDowell Memorial Grounds, Friday Night Lights 7:30

The Sutton club, whose first team is now nicknamed the Vikings due to the long and historic connection between Vikings and the club’s catchment area, lost out to Ards last weekend.

Skerries kicked off their season with a 40 point win over Instonians that included a try bonus point to leave them top of the league.

This North County Dublin derby is likely to produce an away win.

DLSP (12^th) v Nenagh Ormond (3^rd), Kirwan Park

‘Salmo endured a torrid time last season but they will be hoping to learn from that experience if they are to move back up to Division 2A.

On Saturday they face one of those teams you have to beat if you are to do it. Nenagh Ormond are always a difficult outfit to play.

On the back of their opening day bonus point win over Midleton they will travel with real ambition to take the points in Kirwan Park.

Instonians (16^th) v Navan (8^th), Shaws Bridge

Inst. struggled to 11^th place last season and in conceding over 400 points had the 2^nd worst defensive record in the division.

Last Saturday saw them well beaten by newcomers Skerries and they really need get a result in Shaws Bridge on Saturday to get up and running.

Navan’s four point win over Sligo last weekend sees them mid table as they travel North with a good chance of an away win.

Midleton (14^th) V Ards (5^th), Towns Park

Midleton dropped down from Division 2A after last season and like DLSP suffered a defeat in their opening game. Saturday then is a chance to get some points on home ground.

Ards picked up what might be a valuable try bonus point at home on the opening day against Suttonians.

Can they go on the road and get a result? The odds favour a home win.

Richmond (13^th) v Greystones (9^th), Richmond Park

A first Ulster Bank League game in Richmond Park for the newly promoted club and it promises to be a tough one.

For the second week in a row Greystones face a newly promoted side determined to make a mark in the league. Last week they managed a try bonus as well as their losing bonus against Tullamore.

This week they will be hoping for the winning points.

Sligo (11^th) v Boyne (6^th), Hamilton Park

The picturesque setting of Hamilton Park under Knocknarea in Strandhill is the backdrop for this game with both sides hoping to improve on last season.

Sligo finished mid table losing nine games while Boyne won ten games to finish 5^th overall.

You’d have to tip an away win for the Co. Meath side.

Sunday’s Well (15^th) v Armagh (7^th), Musgrave Park

A return to Muzzer after last week’s loss on the road to Thomond for the Well may give them the platform they need for a win.

Armagh make the trip to Cork on the back of a six point win over DLSP last weekend.

This time last year the Ulster side won this game by 45 – 6 in the Palace Grounds – they look set to repeat the result but will it be by the same margin?

Tullamore (4^th) v Thomond (2^nd), Spollanstown

Early days in the league but Tullamore will expect a big crowd for their first home game in the Ulster Bank League.

Thomond make the trip from Limerick in 2^nd place after their opening day bonus point win over Sunday’s Well.

It should be a tough game but the home team should take the points and keep their place in the top 4.