Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

The big question is can anyone catch Old Wesley? Unbeaten in nine games, they host Nenagh Ormond on Saturday. Before that there are Friday Night Lights games in Queens, Seapoint and Skerries.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, January 31

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

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Queens University (5^th) v Dungannon (16^th), Dub Lane, Friday Night Lights, 7.30pm
An Ulster derby under lights is always one to relish and both teams are in need of a shot in the arm.

Queens lost on the road last week but, weather permitting, they should be in fine fettle in Dub Lane on Friday night.

Dungannon look certain to be in Division 2B next season but they will learn from this one and rebuild.

Seapoint (14^th) v Naas (10^th), Kilbogget Park, Friday Night Lights, 7.30pm
The weather is always a factor but in Kilbogget Park on a cold Friday night it will certainly play a big part.

Seapoint’s losing bonus point last weekend was some reward but they need a big performance if they are to catch a Naas side ten points ahead in the table.

Naas beat Queens last weekend and will want to continue the good form.

Skerries (3^rd) v NUIM Barnhall (4^th), Holmpatrick, Friday Night Lights, 7.30pm
A good choice for match of the day – weather permitting. Third plays fourth with only a point between them.

Both won their opening game of 2015 last weekend and both have notched up four try bonuses.

The clubhouse should be nicely packed (and warm) for what could be a cracker.

Blackrock College (2^nd) v Rainey OB (12^th), Stradbrook
‘Rock’s loss to Old Wesley last weekend may or may not have settled the top spot in Division 2A but with five clubs chasing them ‘Rock won’t stop the chase.

Rainey travel south following a narrow defeat at home to UCC that has left them 14 points adrift of their hosts
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A home win on the card but the margin will be important.

Cashel (6^th) v Thomond (7^th), Spafields
Cashel and Thomond are two of the teams chasing ‘Rock and a win either way will be a real boost to their chances of catching up.

Both of them enjoyed big wins last weekend – Cashel over Bective and Thomond over Dungannon.

You’d have to fancy Cashel at home.

City of Derry (13^th) v Bective Rangers (15^th), Judge’s Road
Finishing in the top 10 and maintaining their Division 2A status must be the objective for these two clubs now.

It looks a tall order for Bective but City of Derry are just five points behind 10^th placed Naas.

A home win and a fighting chance on the cards.

Old Wesley (1^st) v Nenagh Ormond (9^th), Donnybrook
It is too early to anoint Old Wesley as divisional winners but they look to be in flying form.

Last weekend’s big win over nearest rivals ‘Rock was a real statement of intent – the foot is firmly to the floor.

Nenagh’s loss to Banbridge last weekend saw them slip to 9^th place.

UCC (11^th) v Banbridge (8^th), Mardyke
Top ten must be in the minds of these two sides as well this weekend with Banbridge in the van, five points clear.

Both clubs won last weekend but the Bann look the stronger side on form.

A home win then, but the manner will be all important come the end of season carve up.