Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
Division 2A resumes this weekend and it really is shaping up to be an interesting title and promotion chase with little to spare between the top seven. Galwegians continue to hold of the chasing Ulster pack in the top four.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, January 25
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Ballymena (4th) v Cashel (9th), Eaton Park
Ballymena were edged out in a low scoring trip to City Of Derry in their most recent game but they are on their own patch this weekend.
Cashel also lost out in a Munster derby against UCC so they certainly have a point to prove.
The home side should have the edge in this game but Cashel’s 4 loosing bonus points show they won’t be shaken off easily.
Banbridge (13th) v City of Derry (3rd), Rifle Park
With so many Ulster clubs in this division there is a derby game nearly every week. That always an extra bit of spice to the proceedings.
Banbridge will need that and more if they are stop City of Derry who beat Ballymena last time out.
The visitors are only in third on points difference and should still be in the top four come final whistle on Saturday.
Bective Rangers (12th) v Old Crescent (14th), Donnybrook
No title chasing in this game but still plenty to play for to stay out of the relegation zone come the end of the season.
Bective will still be smarting from their loss in the Battle of Donnybrook a few weeks back – never poke a wounded ranger!
Their visitors from Limerick lost narrowly at home to Highfield leaving them too close to the drop zone for comfort. Plenty to play for indeed.
Galwegians (1st) v UCC (6th), Crowley Park
There is only nine points between the sides so UCC are by no means out of the running in the promotion stakes.
‘Wegians had another big win last time out and lead the division by four points.
They came close to toppling UCD in last weekend’s Bateman Cup semi-final but now they can have all eyes on the league.
Highfield (15th) v Seapoint (11th), Woodleigh Park
Highfield’s one point win over Old Crescent gave them a lifeline. They need to grasp it firmly this weekend.
Visitors Seapoint lost at home to Queens and will want to avoid two in a row and a jittery few weeks.
Tough to call but the home side might just edge this one.
Naas (10th) v Bruff (16th), Forenaughts
Naas are steady in 10th place despite losing to Rainey two weeks ago. Their losing BP and slightly better points difference keeping them ahead of Seapoint.
Bruff’s troubles have been documented and while they face a tough season ahead the lessons learned will stand them on good stead as they rebuild their side.
That said form favours the home side.
Queens (2nd) v Old Wesley (7th), Dub Lane
2nd place and four try bonuses for a Queens side keen to dispel that old myth about University sides falling away as the season goes on.
No sign of that with the lads in Dub Lane!
Wesley are just on the edge of that chasing group, seven points behind their hosts and travelling on the back of a win over neighbours and rivals Bective.
Rainey OB (8th) v NUIM Barnhall (5th), Hatrick Park
Mid table, with four wins and four losses the lads from Hatrick Park are ‘evenly balanced as they face into the rest of the season.
Visitors NUIM Barnhall let Banbridge get away from them in the early stages last time out but hauled it back to take the win 37 – 30.
A quick start by the Parsonstown/Maynooth boys could see them take the result on the road.