Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, February 23rd

– kick off 2.30pm unless stated

Ards (15^th) v Navan (7^th), Hamilton Park

Ards beat Clonakilty last weekend and combined with Connemara’s first win it means that the relegation battle encompasses quite a few clubs.

Navan had visit from Rob Kearney and Jonathan Sexton this week and will be hoping to draw inspiration from that and push back up the table.

A trip to North to the embattled Ards may afford them the chance but they cannot afford to slip up.

Armagh (6^th) v Naas (2^nd),Palace Grounds

Seven points separate these sides but a home win could have a real knock on effect in the top four placings.

Armagh slipped down to 6^th following their loss to NUIM Barnhall last weekend and will be keen to get back to winning ways.

Naas beat Sligo in a 50 point game but will want to keep their defence tight as points difference may be a key factor come the end of the season.

An away win and a cracking game in prospect.

Clonakilty (13^th) v Instonians (9^th), The Vale

Losing to Ards last weekend has kept Clon in the danger zone and while they won’t panic just yet they could do with a result to ease their worries.

Inst. had a good win over Boyne chich pushed them up to 9^th and another win this weekend would see them comfortably in the mid table.

Form favours the visitors but there have been some upsets of late.

Nenagh Ormond (4^th) v Boyne (5^th), New Ormond Park

Another key game in the race for promotion. The home side enjoyed a good win over Sunday’s Well last weekend to push up into 4^th.

It helped that Boyne lost to Instonians but they will travel to New Ormond Park with renewed determination.

A tough one to call this and a tough game in prospect – well worth the admission price. 

NUIM Barnhall (3rd) v Connemara (16th), NUI Maynooth, North Campus

The marriage of NUI Maynooth and Barnhall has proved a success with new players benefitting from the merger.

This game takes place on the NUI Maynooth Campus and should attract a good size crowd.

Connemara picked up their first win of the season in beating Thomond last weekend but this match will be a different matter.

Rainey OB (1^st) v Skerries (8^th), Hatrick Park

Nine wins, one draw, six try bonuses and the tightest defence in the division and Rainey lead by six points.

What that means is they cannot take the foot of the pedal, and although they don’t look like a team that will they still have to keep winning.

Skerries drew with Navan last week but they may not have the firepower to keep Rainey in check this Saturday.

Sunday’s Well (11^th) v Sligo (10^th), Musgrave Park

Both teams lost last weekend and while both should be safe enough they would like to put a few points between then and the lower ranked sides.

Not much to chose between them in the form stakes with Sligo three points ahead thanks to four wins and two try bonuses.

Home advantage can help but the visitors could take the points this weekend.

Suttonians (12^th) v Thomond (14^th), JJ McDowell Memorial Park

There are five games left in the league so every result counts almost double now, not least when the teams are only four points apart.

The visitors lost to Connemara last weekend – the first side to do so in the league this season – and in doing so leave themselves in the relegation zone.

Suttonians look the stronger side and at home should be good enough to take the win.