Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, October 6

 Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated

Skerries (10^th) v Suttonians (4^th), Holmpatrick – Friday Night Lights 8 p.m.

A north county Dublin derby under lights is a great way for Skerries to host their first home game in the Ulster Bank League following promotion last season.

Visitors Suttonians finished down the table last season but opened their account with a 21 – 12 win over Ards, who narrowly avoided relegation last time out.

Skerries went down to Instonians on the opening day last weekend so they will be keen to make their mark in the league on Friday night in front of a large home crowd.

Ards (14^th) v Rainey OB (5^th), Hamilton Park

Rainey were pushing hard last season and only missed out on a shot at promotion by a narrow margin.

Ards were lucky to stay in Division 2B and unless they can turn things around they will struggle again this year.

Rainey ran out impressive 39 – 3 winners this time last year and should be strong enough to pick up four points on the road on Saturday.

Armagh (8^th) v Sunday’s Well (6^th),Palace Grounds

Armagh opened their season with a draw against Clonakilty but they will be aiming high this year after consolidating their position in the Division last season.

The Well enjoyed a  33 – 28 win over Thomond on the opening day.

This was a 9 – 6 win for the Cork side this time last season and it could be a tight enough affair again on Saturday in the Palace Grounds.

Boyne (1^st) v Sligo (15^th), Shamrock Lodge

Buoyed by their recent visit from Ireland stars Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll and Johnny Sexton the Drogheda club went west and came home with the win and a try bonus last Saturday.

This weekend they host Sligo whom they pipped by a point on the opening day of the 11/12 season.

Sligo went down to Boyne’s near neighbours Navan last weekend and also conceded the try bonus. They could struggle in Shamrock Lodge this weekend. 

Naas (3^rd) v Connemara (16^th), Forenaughts

Last week we spoke about Naas ability to pull off some big wins and they duly obliged with a try bonus win over NUIM Barnhall in a cracking opening day match.

Can they show the consistency needed at home to Connemara this weekend?

The Westerners improved well last season and were always hard to beat at home but can they improve again this season and how will they fare on the road?

Naas also have former Ireland star Geordan Murphy as their guest speaker at the pre-match lunch. Contact Rory Larkin 0872557197 to book your place.

Navan (2^nd) v Instonians (7^th), Balreask Old

 A winning start and a bonus point win for Navan last weekend sets them up nicely for this clash with newly relegated Instonians.

Inst. also enjoyed a win on the opening day of the Ulster Bank League season beating skerries by two in a forty point game.

Both sides will be keen to get another win under their belt early in the season and it will be a good measure for them as to how they will progress.

Nenagh Ormond (13th) v Clonakilty (9th), New Ormond Park

Nenagh’s losing bonus point against Rainey last weekend was a reasonable return as Hatrick Park is a tough place to get a result.

Clon kicked off their season against Ulster oppostion also and drew at home to Armagh.

Still too early to tell on form but the home side look to be a better equipped outfit and should be good enough to take the points.

Thomond (12th) v NUIM Barnhall (10th), Liam Fitzgerald Park

Both sides go in search of their first win on Saturday in Limerick, albeit with a losing bonus point in the pocket from last weekend.

Thomond travelled to Sunday’s Well and earned their point while NUIM Barnhall were caught at home by Naas and will be keen to make ammends.

Expect the home side to make it tough but the visitors are a stronger outfit and need to win if they are to challenge for promotion again this season.