Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

Galwegians have an eight point cushion at the top of Division 2B but the chasing pack is a tight one with just four points between them.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, February 15

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated

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Ballymena (5^th) v Bective Rangers (10^th), Eaton Park

The weather accounted for Ballymena’s last game and having it in hand could yet prove useful for them.

Their last match therefore was a one point loss at home to Cashel, for which they will be seeing to make amends this weekend.

Bective lost out by two to NUIM Barnhall last time out and are mid table as they face into the weekend.

Cashel (7^th) v NUIM Barnhall (2^nd), Spafields

Cashel are making a habit of beating teams in the top four recently – Ballymena and Queen’s have both been taken care of – and are not to be taken lightly.

NUIM Barnhall have their hosts to thank for that win over Queen’s, but they may wait until after the game.

Difficult to call given Cashel’s surge in form.

Galwegians v Naas, Crowley Park

An eight point lead at the top of the table is not something ‘Wegians will rest on this weekend.

They have been all action all season and good value for their nine wins and five try bonuses, albeit their last game was a 0 – 5 win away to Seapoint.

Naas are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone but Saturday may offer little comfort.

Highfield (13^th) v Banbridge (12^th), Woodleigh Park

There’s always an edge when your side is a mere two points above the drop zone and you face another team in the same position.

The visitors also have a game in hand which gives them a slight edge in the table.

Highfield had a good win in City of Derry last weekend and will be more than happy with a similar result over another Ulster club this weekend.

Old Wesley (9^th) v City of Derry (4^th), Donnybrook

Despite losing their last game, City of Derry pushed up into 4^th place and will hope to kick on again this weekend.

Their hosts lost their last game but can lift their game in Donnybrook.

You’d have to back an away win but form has not been a great guide of late.

Queen’s (3^rd) v Rainey OB (8^th), Dub Lane

There have been more than a few Ulster derby games in Division 2B this season and they have proved pretty interesting in the main.

Queen’s were beaten on the road last game and can’t afford another slip if they are to stay in the mix in the top four.

Rainey may have slipped down the table of late but they will certainly pose problems for their provincial rivals on Saturday.

Seapoint (11^th) v Bruff (16^th), Kilbogget Park

Seapoint are at home for the second week on the trot but they will be hoping for a better outcome this weekend having lost 0 – 5.

Bruff finally got a win away to Naas back in January and although they are still rooted to the bottom there may be some positives to be gained out of this season yet.

UCC (6^th) v Old Crescent (15^th), The Mardyke

The Banks of the Lee have not been kind to Cork of late and UCC’s game against Ballymena was one of the casualties last time out.

Still that game in hand could yet prove a boon if the students can pick up a few wins in the meantime.

Old Crescent got a timely boost with a win over Naas but they need more to get out of the drop zone.