Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

Division 2A resumes for a three-week run in to Christmas and things are as tight as ever with a nine-point spread over the top seven clubs. The clash of Banbridge and Cashel at Rifle Park could be a key game this weekend.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, November 28

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

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Thomond (8th) v Naas (4th), Liam Fitzgerald Park

Thomond may be in eighth place but they are only seven points behind their visitors, Naas, on Saturday. This is one tight division so far. The Limerick side have picked up four losing bonus points and they pushed league leaders Malone close a few games back.

Naas have lost to Cashel and Banbridge ahead of them in the table and their away form has been patchy. Tough to call but Johne Murphy’s men may edge it.

Banbridge (2nd) v Cashel (3rd), Rifle Park

Match of the day in Division 2A as second plays host to third with only points difference between them at this stage. Banbridge have proved dab hands at picking up bonus points – try-scoring and losing ones – with six to their credit to date.

Cashel have won one game more but bagged less bonus points. Expect a tight encounter that could go either way.

Corinthians (9th) v UCC (6th), Corinthian Park

The Galway club took a bit of a beating in their last outing against Naas at the start of the month and slipped to ninth place as a result.

UCC actually dropped to sixth despite a hard-earned one point win over Banbridge at the Mardyke. The students look better set to build on that result and could make the top four by close of business on Saturday.

Malone (1st) v Queen’s University (5th), Gibson Park

Another fixture that will have an impact on the top four placings in the division. League leaders Malone have won their last three games and will be hard to beat at home.

Queen’s University did very well in beating Cashel on the road in their last match to move up to fifth. An away win will be tough but it is not out of the question in this eagerly-awaited Belfast derby.

Nenagh Ormond (10th) v Skerries (7th), New Ormond Park

The Tipperary side are struggling this season with only two wins to date and, alarmingly, they have conceded eighty points in their last two matches.

Skerries are seven points clear and need to win if they are to stay within a shout of the top half of the table. An away victory is on the cards and more difficulties for Nenagh Ormond.